The petition, filed by lawyer Dafna Holz-Lechner, claims Netanyahu used his authority to illegally intervene in judicial and law enforcement institutions. Among the cited actions are the attempted dismissal of former Shin Bet head Ronen Bar and efforts to remove Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, along with pushing legislation to limit the powers of the judiciary.

The group argues that in the face of Netanyahu’s “severe violation of the rule of law,” the only solution is to declare him “incapacitated,” invoking the principle of “defensive democracy.” Israeli daily Maariv described the move as “exceptional,” and noted the list of actions presented as justification for disqualifying Netanyahu from continuing as prime minister.

Corruption Trials Loom Over Netanyahu’s Leadership

The petition comes amid Netanyahu’s ongoing trial on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in the so-called “Cases 1000, 2000, and 4000.” The charges, filed in 2019 by former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit, stem from allegations involving illicit gifts, media manipulation, and regulatory favors.

The trial, which began in 2020, remains ongoing. Netanyahu denies all charges and describes the proceedings as politically motivated efforts to remove him from power.

While Israel’s Supreme Court has previously rejected petitions seeking to oust Netanyahu, this latest move adds to the growing legal and political pressures facing his leadership.