Judge says Ben Gvir violated agreement not to interfere with police ‘dozens’ of times

• Supreme Court judge says National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir violated a prior agreement “dozens” of times by interfering in police matters.
• Four coalition lawmakers were removed from the courtroom after repeatedly disrupting proceedings during the high-profile hearing.

A senior judge on Wednesday said National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir repeatedly violated a legally binding agreement meant to limit his involvement in police operations, as ‘Israel’s’ Supreme Court weighs petitions calling for his dismissal.

Justice Khaled Kabub told a nine-judge panel in Jerusalem that Ben Gvir had breached the terms of a compromise agreement “dozens” of times, raising questions about the minister’s continued influence over law enforcement.

The agreement, signed last year with Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, was intended to prevent political interference in police decision-making, particularly regarding protests, investigations, and promotions within the force.

The hearing is part of a broader case asking the court to compel the prime minister to remove Ben Gvir from his post, arguing that his conduct undermines police independence.

‘Damage to Police Authority’

During the session, Justice Kabub warned that public statements by the minister against police investigations and indictments could weaken the institution’s credibility.

“When the minister makes statements against the police itself… that statement by the minister damages the police’s professional ability to fulfill its role,” Kabub said, adding that such actions represented “a blow to the police, which he is responsible for.”

The attorney representing the government challenged the assessment, arguing that the court should consider “what is actually happening” within police operations rather than focusing solely on public statements.

Lawmakers Ejected From Courtroom

Tensions escalated inside the courtroom when Justice Isaac Amit, president of the Supreme Court, ordered four coalition lawmakers to be removed for repeatedly interrupting proceedings.

The lawmakers removed were Tally Gotliv, May Golan, Limor Son Har Melech, and Idit Silman.

Court officials said the interruptions disrupted the hearing as the panel considered the legality of Ben Gvir’s conduct and the scope of ministerial authority over police affairs.

High-Stakes Political Test

The case places renewed scrutiny on the balance between elected officials and law enforcement independence, with the court now examining whether repeated breaches of the agreement justify removal from office.