Why Israel’s Cabinet Moved to Dismiss Its Attorney General: A Bold Step to Restore Government Stability
In a move that has shocked the international community and sparked fierce debate across Israel’s political spectrum, the Israeli cabinet voted unanimously on August 4, 2025, to dismiss Attorney General Gali Baharav‑Miara. The vote—22 in favor, none opposed—was more than a political gesture. It was the culmination of months of mounting tension between the government and the nation’s chief legal authority, whom officials claim was undermining national governance and obstructing critical state operations.
This article outlines the rationale behind the dismissal, the legal and political stakes, and the likely path forward for a country already navigating war, internal protests, and judicial reform.
The Government’s Case: A Paralysis of Governance
According to Justice Minister Yariv Levin and multiple senior officials, Baharav‑Miara had:
Repeatedly failed to defend government actions before the courts.
Refused to attend key hearings, including those concerning national security, war strategy, and emergency legislation.
Acted more like a political opposition figure than an independent legal adviser, with behavior described as "disengaged" and "antagonistic" to the elected leadership.
Interfered with judicial reform efforts, including threatening legal action against ministers seeking to advance legislation through Knesset majorities.
Government supporters argue this conduct created a constitutional crisis, paralyzing key initiatives during a period of active conflict in Gaza and unprecedented international pressure.
“You can’t govern a country when your top legal adviser works against your decisions or simply ignores them,” said a Likud minister under condition of anonymity.
The Political Tension: Corruption, Courts, and Credibility
While critics argue the firing was politically motivated—especially given that Baharav‑Miara is leading the prosecution in Prime Minister Netanyahu’s corruption trial—the government insists this was not about shielding Netanyahu. In fact, Netanyahu recused himself from the vote to avoid conflict of interest.
Instead, the move was framed as an effort to “reset the legal-governmental relationship” that had fractured under Baharav‑Miara’s tenure. Ministers argued that her refusal to represent government positions, combined with open alignment with left-leaning civil society groups, rendered her office ineffective.
Legal and Judicial Complexity: A Looming High Court Review
Despite the cabinet’s vote, Baharav‑Miara remains in office—for now.
Israel’s Supreme Court, in a July 18 decision by Deputy Chief Justice Noam Sohlberg, froze any dismissal pending judicial review.
Legal experts widely predict the Court will strike down the dismissal, arguing that it violated procedural norms requiring oversight by an independent public committee.
In response, the government may pursue legislation to formalize its new process for dismissing an Attorney General—through a five-member ministerial panel rather than a neutral committee.
Next Moves: Exit Deal, Legislation, and Reform
According to reports from Haaretz, the government is preparing to offer Baharav‑Miara a negotiated exit. She would be asked to resign voluntarily in exchange for a voice in choosing her successor—a move designed to avoid a prolonged court battle and public backlash.
Simultaneously, coalition leaders are drafting legislation that would codify the new dismissal authority into Israeli law, ensuring future Attorneys General are more aligned with elected leadership and less entrenched in a quasi-political role.
Critics Cry Foul—but Some See Restoration
Critics, including opposition party Yesh Atid and judicial independence advocates, have filed legal petitions and organized mass protests, warning that the dismissal is part of a larger assault on Israel’s democratic institutions.
However, supporters claim the dismissal is long overdue:
The Attorney General is not an elected official, yet she wielded veto power over decisions of a democratically elected cabinet.
Strategic legislation, including during wartime, was delayed or compromised due to her refusal to engage.
Her position had become politically charged, rather than legally neutral.
“Israel needs a legal advisor, not a legal activist,” said one coalition spokesman. “This is about restoring governance, not revenge.”
Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Israeli Democracy
Whether the dismissal ultimately stands or is struck down by the High Court, this event represents a defining moment for Israel. It lays bare a fundamental power struggle: Should legal institutions maintain autonomous power to check elected officials, or should governments be free to select advisors who align with their mandate?
If the cabinet’s decision is upheld, it will mark a watershed shift in Israeli legal norms, one where the Attorney General is accountable to the executive, not above it. If struck down, the conflict may catalyze even more aggressive reform efforts from the current coalition.
Either way, this chapter is far from over—and the world is watching.
References
Axios. (2025, August 4). Netanyahu moves to fire attorney general prosecuting him for corruption. Axios.
https://www.axios.com/2025/08/04/netanyahu-fire-israel-attorney-general-trial
Haaretz. (2025, August 4). Israeli government will offer AG to resign and help choose replacement, senior officials say. Haaretz.
https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2025-08-04/ty-article/.premium/israeli-govt-will-offer-ag-to-resign-help-choose-replacement-senior-officials-say
JNS. (2025, July 18). Israeli cabinet to vote on dismissal of AG Gali Baharav-Miara. Jewish News Syndicate.
https://www.jns.org/israeli-cabinet-to-vote-on-dismissal-of-ag
The Washington Post. (2025, August 4). Gaza war, internal pressure push Netanyahu to fire Israel’s AG. The Washington Post.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/08/04/gaza-war-netanyahu-pressure
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https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/yesh-atid-files-petition-to-block-attorney-generals-firing
Times of Israel. (2025, July 18). High Court: If government fires AG, decision will be frozen pending judicial review. The Times of Israel.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/high-court-if-government-fires-ag-decision-will-be-frozen-pending-judicial-review
Ynet News. (2025, August 4). Baharav-Miara responds to cabinet vote: Move is illegal, unprecedented and politically motivated. Ynet News.
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/sjahxy0pge
Ynet News. (2025, August 3). Legal panel votes to dismiss AG Baharav-Miara, sparking legal storm. Ynet News.
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bkff6srpeg
