Israeli High Court Examines Legislation Protecting Sitting Prime Minister From Removal

The Israeli High Court of Justice on Thursday debated a contentious law that many say protects Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from being removed from office while on trial for corruption charges. The law, an amendment to Basic Law: The Government, hinders the court’s ability to force the prime minister to step down.

During the hearing, justices hinted that they may not annul the law but rather delay its implementation until after the next election, in order to remove the suspicion that the law’s intent was personal—to benefit Netanyahu. Yitzhak Bart, an attorney representing the Knesset, acknowledged that one main motive behind the law was to safeguard Netanyahu, but argued that the law’s broader purpose was not individual-focused.

Petitioners against the law, including the Movement for Quality Government in Israel and the Yisrael Beitenu party, contend that the legislation aims to shield Netanyahu from a conflict of interest agreement he signed in 2020. The agreement restricts him from meddling in judicial matters related to his trial.

Michael Rabello, representing Netanyahu, warned that negating the law would risk a clash between governmental branches. The High Court’s decision is expected by mid-January.