Israeli PM sacks key ally with ‘heavy heart’ for tax crime

BENJAMIN NETANYAHU has reluctantly fired a key cabinet ally after a Supreme Court ruling demanding him to do so.

The Israeli prime minister announced he had sacked Aryeh Deri, who served as interior and health minister, at a meeting of his Cabinet. Israel’s Supreme Court decided last week that Mr Deri was not eligible to serve as a Cabinet minister because of a conviction over tax offences.

The court ruling came as Mr Netanyahu’s far-right government attempts to weaken the Supreme Court, limit judicial oversight and grant more power to politicians.

Critics say the overhaul could help Mr Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption charges, evade conviction or see his trial disappear entirely.

According to his office, Mr Netanyahu told Mr Deri he was removing him from his post with “a heavy heart and great sorrow”. He told Mr Deri: “This unfortunate decision ignores the people’s will. I intend to find any legal way for you to continue to contribute to the state of Israel.”

Mr Deri said he would continue to lead his party and assist the government in advancing its agenda, including the legal overhaul. Mr Netanyahu is expected to appoint other Shas party members to replace Mr Deri.