Israel's cabinet votes to fire attorney general prosecuting Netanyahu
This is the first time the Israeli government fired an attorney general in the 78-year history of the Jewish state. In February 2022, the government unanimously approved her appointment, the first woman to serve in the role.
The dismissal is on hold because of a injunction by the High Court of Justice. The judges have ruled that they must first decide on the legality amid pending petitions by government watchdog groups and the attorney general. Haaretz reported the court is likely to strike it down because the rules were changed during the process.
"The government has just unanimously approved the proposal of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice Yariv Levin to immediately terminate the tenure of Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara," according to a spokesperson for.
In March, Levin sought to remove her, which led to a legal challenge and opposition among Israeli residents.
Netanyahu, who didn't take part in the vote, has accused Baharav-Miari of abusing her power to undermine his policies and endanger the nation's rule of law. She also is accused of blocking the firing of Israel's domestic security agency.
In Israel, the attorney general is not a political appointment and serves as the government's legal adviser and public watchdog.
Baharav-Miari, in a letter to the minister, wrote that "through new rules to designed to ensure a desire outcome," the chief prosecutor in the case against Netanyahu is being dismissed.
"From now on, the government will be able to fire any attorney general -- the state's top prosecutor -- without any oversight mechanisms, and even on improper grounds," she wrote. "For example, in retaliation for warning against illegal actions, ordering an investigation of a minister, refusing to halt a criminal case against a government member, or as part of a political deal.
"This is deeply troubling in general, and especially so given that dismissing the attorney general and appointing a replacement could influence the prime minister's criminal trial and ongoing investigations involving other ministers and associates."
The existing law requires the vote of the professional committee that initially approved her to agree to fire her.
Instead, the cabinet established a new committee, which summoned her for a hearing. She refused calling the panel "corrupt and illegitimate."
Senior government officials were offering a compromise: she would step down voluntarily and choose her successor, Haaretz reported. But she is unlikely to agree to this, Haaretz reported.
"This conduct undermines the guarantees of independence and integrity across the entire civil service, especially for gatekeepers, and causes both immediate and cumulative harm," she said last week.
Netanyahu was indicted in November 2019 for charges that include bribery, fraud and breach of trust, including allegedly accepting $200,000 in gifts from wealthy businessmen for favorable media coverage.
The trial began in May 2020. The prosecution rested its case in July 2024. The defense's case has been continually delayed.
Protesters appeared outside the prime minister's Office, waving Israeli flags, and holding signs and posters.
Democrats party chairman Yair Golan said the cabinet meeting took place "as our hostages are dying in the tunnels, as Israeli society is tearing itself apart."
He said "the Israeli government in these difficult times is only busy with itself."
U.S. President Donald Trump has called for the cancellation of the trial, drawing parallels to his trial, calling it a "witch hunt" and "travesty of justice."
Also Monday, about 600 former Israeli security officials urged Trump to pressure Israel to end the war against Hamas in Gaza.
The open letter reads: "Your credibility with the vast majority of Israelis augments your ability to steer prime minister Netanyahu and his government in the right direction: end the war, return the hostages, stop the suffering."
Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2003, with 1,200 Israelis, mainly civilians, initially killed with 251 abducted and an estimate 50 remain, including 33 presumed dead.
More than 60,900 Palestinians, including more than half women and children, have died according to the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry.
Israelis rally for release of hostages
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
UPI
an hour ago
- UPI
Brazil's high court orders Bolsonaro's house arrest, angering Trump admin.
President Donald Trump and Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro listen to reporter's questions during joint press conference in the Rose Garden of the Washington, D.C.m on March 19, 2019. On Monday, Brazil's Supreme Court order Bolsonaro's house arrest. File Photo by Jim Lo Scalzo/UPI | License Photo Aug. 5 (UPI) -- Brazil's Supreme Court has ordered the house arrest of former President Jair Bolsonaro, prompting swift condemnation from the Trump administration, which has imposed penalties against those prosecuting President Donald Trump's ally. Bolsonaro is being prosecuted on charges of conspiring to overturn his 2022 election loss. In his order Monday, Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered the house arrest of Bolsonaro on allegations he violated court-imposed precautionary measures by using the social media accounts of allies, including his three sons, one of whom is a congressman, to post statements online. Moraes described the social media posts as a "continued attempt to coerce the STF and obstruct justice." STF stands for Supremo Tribunal Federal, or Supreme Federal Court, in Portuguese. "The arrest is to be served at Bolsonaro's residence in Brasilia. He will not be allowed to receive visitors, except for his lawyers and other individuals previously authorized by the STF," the order states. "The former president is also prohibited from using a cell phone, either directly or through third parties." A search and seizure of any cell phones in Bolsonaro's possession was also ordered by Moraes, who is overseeing the criminal case. "There is no doubt that Jair Messias Bolsonaro violated the precautionary measures imposed on him, as the defendant produced material for publication on the social media accounts of his three sons and all his followers and political supporters, with clear content encouraging and inciting attacks on the Supreme Federal Court and openly supporting foreign intervention in the Brazilian judiciary," Moraes said. Trump, who has similarly been accused of trying to overturn his own election loss, in 2020, is an ally of Bolsonaro, and has repeatedly used his executive powers to punish those involved in the 70-year-old politician's prosecution, which has prompted accusations of meddling in Brazil's judicial system. Among the measures imposed by the American president are slapping a 40% tariff on Brazilian goods and sanctioning Moraes, as well as revoking his visas and those of his family. The U.S. State Department on Monday night condemned the house arrest order as Moraes' alleged continued use of "Brazil's institutions to silence opposition and threaten democracy." "Putting even more restrictions on Jair Bolsonaro's ability to defend himself in public it not a public service. Let Bolsonaro speak!" the State Department's Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs said in both English- and Portuguese-language statements. "The United States condemns Moraes' order imposing house arrest on Bolsonaro and will hold accountable all those aiding and abetting sanctioned conduct." Brazil charged Bolsonaro in February with attempting a coup following his 2022 election loss to current President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. According to court documents, his supporters claiming voter fraud stormed Brazil's Congress and other federal facilities on Jan. 8, 2023. The indictment accuses Bolsonaro of spreading debunked claims of fraud in election machines as far back as July 2022 in order to prepare conditions for the coup. As part of the scheme, prosecutors said they even planned the possibility of assassinating Lula. Bolsonaro has denied wrongdoing, while Trump has described the trial as a "witch hunt."
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Hamas demands at least 250 aid trucks enter Gaza daily to resume negotiations, source tells 'Post'
US envoy Steve Witkoff told the families of the hostages that Israel and the United States are currently working on a framework to end the war and secure the release of all hostages. The terrorist organization Hamas is now demanding the entry of at least 250 humanitarian aid trucks into the Gaza Strip daily as a precondition for returning to the negotiating table, a source familiar with the details of the talks told The Jerusalem Post. This message was conveyed to the mediators in recent days, as part of Hamas' new policy of refusing to engage with Israel unless there is a significant improvement in the humanitarian situation. 'There is a growing understanding that Hamas is not interested in a deal,' an Israeli official said. 'We are in discussions with the Americans. As a result, the prime minister is pushing for the release of the hostages while pursuing a military resolution, combined with the provision of humanitarian aid to areas outside the combat zones and, to the extent possible, to regions not under Hamas control.' Following the visit of US President Trump's envoy,Steve Witkoff, to Israel and his meetings with senior Israeli officials, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been holding discussions regarding the future of the war in Gaza. A broader meeting on the matter is expected to convene on Tuesday, an Israeli official told the Post. Witkoff told the families of the hostages that Israel and the United States were currently working on a framework to end the war and secure the release of all hostages. At this stage, it is unclear when this plan will be presented and whether it will include an ultimatum to Hamas – either accept the deal or face a full-scale Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip. A source involved in the talks said that 'formulating a deal with Hamas to end the war will take months. These will be very complex negotiations.' Hamas releases hostage videos After the release of distressing images by terrorist groups showing hostages Evyatar David and Rom Braslavski, Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke with Julien Harneis, head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) delegation to the Middle East. Netanyahu urged him to immediately intervene to ensure the hostages receive food and medical care. 'I told him clearly: 'Hamas's lie about starvation is being spread around the world, but the reality is that systematic starvation is being carried out against our hostages – men and women who are subjected to severe and brutal physical and psychological abuse. The world cannot remain indifferent to these horrific images, which evoke memories of Nazi crimes,'' the prime minister said in an official statement. In addition, Netanyahu called for international condemnation of the terrorist organizations Hamas and Islamic Jihad – and for an end to all forms of support for them, whether direct or indirect. 'I emphasized to him [Julien Lerisson] that the actions of these terrorist groups violate international law and the Geneva Convention,' the prime minister said. Hostage Rom Braslavski is seen lying on a mattress, saying he has pain in his foot and has difficulty standing, and is suffering from severe hunger, in the Palestinian Islamic Jihad video originally published on Thursday. The Braslavski's family on Sunday night approved the publication of the contents of the propaganda video. 'I've run out of food and water. They would give me a little bit of food, but today, nothing at all,' he said in the propaganda video. 'Only three pieces of falafel, that's what I ate today. Yesterday I barely ate a plate of rice. Bring in food, a liter of water. I am on the verge of death.' The video also shows Braslavski writing in a notebook in Hebrew: 'Get me out of here now!' With a drawing of a hostage pin. The date on the notebook indicates that it was filmed on July 20 last month. PIJ claimed that this was the last footage of Braslavski before contact with his guards was lost two days later. Tami, Braslavski's mother, said: 'I tried to suppress the reality, but when I watched the video, reality hit me. When you hear him saying these things out loud, it becomes truth, despite how difficult it is to believe. 'The nightmare I was only afraid to imagine is real. The fear we live with has become more tangible than ever, and it's important that the whole world sees this, despite my personal difficulty in publicly showing my Rom in the dire condition he's in. 'I have never seen my son like this. Rom is not shouting or angry –he speaks quietly, in a weak voice like a person who has accepted the fact that there's nothing left to fight for and may not come out of there alive,' she continued. 'They say that when words run out, tears speak. Rom, my life, I am crying with you.' Braslavski's family said they were 'deeply shaken' by the video's contents. Braslavski was kidnapped from the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023, where he was working security. Solve the daily Crossword
UPI
2 hours ago
- UPI
Texas Gov. Abbott orders arrest of Democrats who fled over redistricting
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott speaks at the 2024 Republican National Convention at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 17, 2024. On Monday, Abbott ordered the arrest of state Democrats who fled Texas before a vote could be taken on redistricting maps that could favor the GOP in next year's midterm elections. File Photo by Tannen Maury/UPI | License Photo Aug. 4 (UPI) -- Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the arrest Monday of House Democrats after they fled the state before a vote could be taken on proposed redistricting maps. The Democratic lawmakers fled to Illinois, New York and Massachusetts to prevent a quorum Monday afternoon and the advancement of voter maps that would benefit Republicans in next year's midterm elections. "Texas House Democrats abandoned their duty to Texans," Abbott, a Republican, said in a statement. "By fleeing the state, Texas House Democrats are holding hostage critical legislation to aid flood victims and advance property tax relief. There are consequences for dereliction of duty." "I ordered the Texas Department of Public Safety to locate, arrest and return to the House chamber any member who has abandoned their duty to Texans," Abbott continued. "This order will remain in effect until all missing Democrat House members are accounted for and brought to the Texas Capitol." On Monday, Texas House Republicans voted 85-to-6, authorizing the House sergeant-at-arms to arrest Democrats who fled the state in protest and prevented a quorum. According to the Texas Constitution, two-thirds of the state House must be present to conduct legislative business. The proposed congressional redistricting map, released last month, could add five new GOP congressional seats. The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas claims the maps were "designed to dilute the voting power of communities of color." In addition to facing arrest, the missing House members also face $500 daily fines for breaking quorum. Abbott said he will investigate any Democrat who solicits funds to support their effort. "Reports indicate that many absentee Texas House Democrats have solicited or received funds to evade conducting legislative business and casting votes. Under the Texas Penal Code, any of those Democrats who solicit, accept or agree to accept such funds to assist in the violation of legislative duties or for purposes of skipping a vote may have violated bribery laws," Abbott said. "Also, it could be a bribery violation for any other person who offers, provides or agrees to provide such funds to fleeing Democrat House members." The Texas House Democratic Caucus issued their response Monday to Abbott's threat, saying, "Come and take it." Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Gene Wu told reporters in Illinois that it was within their moral responsibility to leave the state. "We're not here to have fun. We're not here because it is easy, and we did not make the decision to come here today lightly," Wu said. "But we come here today with absolute moral clarity that this is absolutely the right thing to do to protect the people of the state of Texas." The Texas House is scheduled to reconvene Tuesday at 1 p.m., local time. The current special session is scheduled to end on Aug. 19. Texas state Rep. John Bucy said Democrats are "not running away" but instead "running into the fight." "Look, I didn't run for office to walk out of the Capitol, but I also didn't run for office to stand by while democracy is stolen in broad daylight," Bucy said from Illinois. "Texas Democrats broke quorum because sometimes, the only way to uphold your oath is to refuse to play along with a rigged game."
