A court fight has erupted in Israel over Itamar Ben-Gvir, the extremist national security minister who oversees police. The attorney general has challenged Ben-Gvir's appointment, pitting judicial authority against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing government. This legal confrontation comes amid broader tensions in Israeli democracy.

The Israeli Supreme Court justices heard a petition on April 15, 2026, forcing Netanyahu to address whether Ben-Gvir should be removed from his position. The case represents a critical test of judicial oversight in the Israeli political system, with Jerusalem bureau chief David M. Halbfinger reporting on the proceedings.

This political battle highlights the ongoing struggle between executive power and judicial independence in Israel. The court's decision could set a significant precedent for future minister appointments, particularly when individuals with extremist backgrounds hold sensitive security positions in the government.