Prime Minister Netanyahu
Photo: Reuters
High Court to consider petitions against Netanyahu
High Court of Justice issues a conditional order demanding that Netanyahu justify retaining control over the foreign affairs and communications portfolios, rather than handing over the reins to another minister: panel of justices set to discuss petitions in March submitted by Isaac Herzog insisting PM cannot simultaneously preside over the posts: State to respond by February 20.
A panel of High Court of Justice (HCJ) judges is set to discuss petitions submitted against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanding that he step down from his post as Minister of Communications, it was announced on Tuesday evening.
The petitions were filed in light of an ongoing investigation involving alleged conversations that took place between Netanyahu and Yedioth Ahronoth publisher and editor Arnon Mozes.
PM Netanyahu (Photo: AP)
In addition to demanding that Netanyahu release the reins of the communications ministry, the petitions, which were filed by Zionist Union Leader MK Isaac Herzog and the Movement for Quality Government in Israel, also requested from the HCJ to instruct Netanyahu to relinquish his control over the portfolio of foreign minister, claiming that he cannot simultaneously hold on to the two top ministerial positions.
The conditional order issued by the HCJ states that Netanyahu is required to provide a justification for not nominating other ministers to preside over the two post to which he has now clung for a number of years.
The order says that Netanyahu must explain “why he should not resign or suspend himself from the positions of foreign minister and communications minister in light of the claims that are mentioned in the petition.”
The State will submit its response to the petitions by February 20 and the discussions on the matter are expected to take place in March.
MK Herzog hailed the HCJ’s decision to consider the petitions. “This is an important decision. I once again call on Netanyahu to immediately transfer the communications portfolio to another minister and to prevent the continuation of this conflict of interest in which he is embroiled.”
