Israeli Defense Minister Warns Against Converting Israel into   Monarchy by Netanyahu

Benny Gantz, Israel's Defence Minister and leader of the Blue and White coalition, has warned that if his party fails to return to the Knesset in next month's elections, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will fire the center-list ministers and remove all controls.

Gantz said during an interview with Israeli "Channel 12", Friday: "If I do not cross the electoral threshold needed to enter the Knesset, Netanyahu will, the next day, dismiss all Blue and White ministers, expel Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit, prevent the appointment of the next Attorney General, Amit Eisman, and appoint Amir Ohana (Likud) as Minister of Justice, is taking us in the direction of the monarchy ... There will be a change in the system before our eyes.'

Gantz pointed out that his decision to enter the government aims to preserve democracy in the face of constant attack by Netanyahu and his Likud party.

The Minister of Defence has repeatedly said in recent months that the presence of his Blue and White party in the outgoing coalition has protected Israeli democracy in the face of concerted efforts by Netanyahu and his supporters to weaken it.

Netanyahu has repeatedly criticized the Israeli Attorney General, Mandelblit, and the Public Prosecution Office, claiming that they fabricated the three corruption cases for which he is being tried as part of a political coup attempt involving the police, the opposition, and the media.

On February 8, Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for statements he made regarding his corruption trial, saying: "We have a fair and strong judicial system even if you don't like it."

Gantz wrote in a tweet on "Twitter": "Only the judges determine the date of the hearing, the manner of its conduct and the ruling," addressing Netanyahu, saying: "Israel has a fair and strong judicial system even if you do not like it."

Earlier, Netanyahu denied the corruption charges against him in a short court session as his graft trial resumed before the upcoming elections.

monarchyan autocracy governed by a monarch who usually inherits the authorityMore (Definitions, Synonyms, Translation)