Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed one of his most important ministers following a ruling by the highest court. He announced the dismissal of Arie Deri during the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, according to media reports on Sunday. Deri is chairman of the strictly religious Schas party.
Constitutional judge: Criminal past “inappropriate” for ministers
The highest court on Wednesday classified Deri’s appointment as Minister of the Interior and Health as “inappropriate” because of his criminal past. They also stated that Deri had assured a court for tax offenses last year that he would retire from politics.
Deri’s appointment was a crucial demand of the Shas party in the coalition negotiations. Before the verdict, members of the party threatened to leave the government if Deri were to lose his post. The party holds eleven of the governing coalition’s 64 seats in parliament. The new coalition had changed a law so that Deri could become a minister despite his conviction.
Large demonstration against judicial reform
It is feared that the verdict could further fuel the dispute over reforms of the judicial system. The new justice minister, Jariv Levin, said he would “do whatever is necessary to right the wrongs done to Deri”. A few weeks ago, he had already presented plans for the targeted weakening of the highest court.
A majority in parliament should therefore be able to pass a law, even if it violates the Basic Law in the opinion of the highest court. Levin also wants to change the composition of the panel that appoints judges. He accuses the highest court of excessive interference in political decisions.
Only on Saturday did tens of thousands of people demonstrate again against the planned judicial reform. They accuse the head of government of endangering the democratic control of the ministers by the courts. Therefore, the future of Israeli democracy is at stake. Netanyahu has described the protests, which have been going on for weeks, as a refusal by left-wing opponents to recognize the results of the November 2022 election. (AP, Reuters)
To home page
