Pretexts for the petition: a conflict of interests because Netanyahu is accused of criminal offenses and is prime minister; “The series of actions and failures that occurred before and after October 7”; Netanyahu is in an unhealthy state that requires announcing his inability to carry out his duties

A petition submitted to the Israeli Supreme Court today called on Al-Hamis to issue a decision rendering Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unable to carry out his duties, thus preventing him from remaining in office and ousting him, because he “exists in a conflict of interests that harms the security of the state.”

The petition was submitted by ten people, including former Minister of Defense, Moshe Ya'alon, former Chief of Staff of the Israeli Army, Dan Halutz, and a member of the Knesset from the Labor Party, Naama Lazimi.

The petition was based on three central pretexts, according to the Haaretz newspaper website.

The first pretext is that Netanyahu is in a state of classical and structural conflict of interests simply because he is accused of criminal violations and holds the position of prime minister, in terms of the timetables, resources, and dedication required to adhere to the challenges of the position.

The second pretext for overthrowing Netanyahu is “the series of actions and failures that occurred before and after the October 7 massacre.” According to the petitioners, Netanyahu’s actions indicate that the interests and considerations guiding him are “personal, narrow, irrelevant and contrary to the interests of the state, the public, the kidnapped people and their families.”

The petition added that the third pretext is that there are indications that Netanyahu is in an unhealthy health condition that requires announcing his inability to carry out his duties. Last October, Netanyahu was transferred to Shaare Zedek Hospital in Jerusalem after feeling chest pains. Last July, a device to measure his heart rate was implanted in his body.

It is noteworthy that, last month, the Supreme Court issued a decision stipulating that the amendment to the “Basic Law: Government,” which aims to prevent the announcement of Netanyahu’s inability to carry out his duties, will be effective starting from the next term of the Knesset. This decision allowed the petition to be submitted today.

The majority of the judges confirmed in their decision last month that the Knesset abused its powers and that the measure that would prevent a defect in the law in this case was to postpone the entry into force of the amendment.