A special ministerial committee, headed by Likud Minister Amichai Chikli, began the hearing process regarding the dismissal of Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara on Monday. Baharav-Miara refused to attend the hearing, announcing shortly before the committee convened that she would not attend the hearing, claiming that the “hearing planned for today allows the government to fire the Attorney General and any attorney general who comes after her for extraneous and corrupt considerations: as a response to the fact that the Attorney General prevented illegal actions, ordered an investigation or prosecution of a coalition member, refused to stop an ongoing criminal proceeding against a sitting member of government, or as part of a ‘political deal’ to ensure the government’s survival.” She added, “This is a hearing for show whose outcome is known in advance, and the practical meaning of its existence is a serious blow to the rule of law and Israeli democracy.” Likud Minister Shlomo Karhi responded, “Baharav-Miara’s shameful refusal to appear at the hearing before the ministerial committee, even before she presented her position on the matter, is a direct continuation of the arrogant and forceful line she is leading—a line that sanctifies the rule of clerks and nullifies the will of the voters. “This is a badge of disgrace for the gang of the rule of law and an expression of the cowardice of someone who is hiding in an ivory legal tower disconnected from the people. Ending her tenure is not only legal and legitimate—it is essential for democracy. “I call on the members of the committee to announce that her failure to appear at the hearing is tantamount to an admission of the indictment against her, and therefore they recommend her immediate dismissal. This recommendation should be brought for discussion tomorrow in the government.” During the meeting, Minister Chikli is presenting a comprehensive document including 84 clauses that constitute a summary of the main clauses of the indictment prepared by Justice Minister Yariv Levin. (YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)