Israeli Universities Threaten Strike if Attorney General is Dismissed
The presidents of Israel’s eight research universities have issued a warning, stating they will initiate a strike should the government proceed with the dismissal of Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara. In a public letter, these academic leaders expressed profound concern over what they describe as an “unprecedented danger to the rule of law” in the country.
The letter emphasizes the pivotal role of the Attorney General in safeguarding democratic principles, asserting that the position serves as a crucial check against potential governmental overreach affecting citizens’ rights. The presidents underscored that the Attorney General, alongside the judiciary, acts as a bulwark between a balanced democratic system and a regime where the government operates without restraint.
This collective stance emerges in response to Justice Minister Yariv Levin’s recent initiation of proceedings aimed at removing Baharav-Miara from her post. Levin has accused her of politicizing her office and consistently obstructing the government’s agenda. In an extensive document addressed to government ministers, Levin argued that Baharav-Miara has functioned as an extension of the opposition, hindering the implementation of governmental policies.
The university presidents contend that the Attorney General is a public servant dedicated to upholding the law, not a political figure. They argue that calls for her dismissal equate to undermining the rule of law, which could inflict severe damage on Israeli society, including its economy and security. They have declared that if the dismissal proceeds, they will personally strike and have called upon others to join in protest.
In reaction to the universities’ letter, Education Minister Yoav Kisch accused the academic leaders of overstepping their roles, suggesting they are “confused” about the principles of democracy. Kisch asserted that democracy is defined by the rule of the people, not bureaucrats, and maintained that the Attorney General is not immune to criticism or dismissal, especially when perceived as opposing the elected government.
Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi also criticized the university presidents, accusing them of transforming academic institutions into political tools aligned with the extreme left. He suggested that if they wish to engage in political activism, they should do so independently and not under the guise of their academic positions.