After Ben Gvir requests independent counsel, High Court refers him back to AG

High Court tells Ben Gvir to file his request for independent counsel with the AG

The High Court of Justice responds to National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir’s request to allow him independent legal counsel in petitions against him and his ministry, saying he should first contact Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara with the request.

Ben Gvir complained to the High Court yesterday that he has no faith in the attorney general’s willingness to represent his position in legal proceedings, describing her behavior toward him as “illegal, unreasonable, disproportionate and unfair.” He also accused her of failing to consult him before ordering that the decision to remove the Tel Aviv District Police Commander Amichai Eshed from his position be frozen.

Baharav-Miara has reportedly asked to meet Ben Gvir to discuss the proceedings against his conduct surrounding anti-government protests, and surrounding the government’s bid to expand Ben Gvir’s power over police policy. She has said his request for independent counsel — which Channel 13 reported last night wasn’t even formally sent to her — cannot be weighed without such a meeting taking place first.