The effort is part of a dispute between Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing alliance and its opponents about the nature and future of the Israeli state.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday accused Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara of abusing her authority after she told him that he cannot proceed with the dismissal of Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar unless a “factual and legal basis” for doing so can be established.

"The prime minister’s decision to bring Bar’s dismissal to a government vote constitutes a severe conflict of interest and a blatant violation of proper administrative conduct," the petition stated.