Israel’s Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara has defended Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to dismiss Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, asserting to the High Court that Netanyahu’s actions were within his legal powers. The move came in response to a series of petitions, notably from the Movement for Quality Government, which claimed Gallant’s removal prioritized political motives over the country’s security needs, citing differences surrounding the Haredi draft legislation.

In her statement to the High Court, Baharav-Miara clarified that Netanyahu, as prime minister, holds the right to dismiss ministers, including for political reasons, when he deems it necessary for advancing government policies and maintaining governmental stability.

Gallant, a member of Netanyahu’s Likud party, has clashed with the prime minister on several issues since the current government took office in late 2022. Netanyahu had previously attempted to remove Gallant in March 2023 but reversed the decision amid significant public and political backlash. Now, Netanyahu has announced that Foreign Minister Israel Katz will succeed Gallant as defense minister, with Gideon Sa’ar stepping into Katz’s former role.

Opposition leaders criticized the shake-up, accusing Netanyahu of endangering Israel’s security by placing political considerations ahead of national defense.