The petition was filed with the High Court in order to ban MKs accused of crimes with which they are infamous for forming a government • "The main question is not ripe for discussion," explained Supreme Judge Stein

Supreme Court Justice Alex Stein dismissed the petition filed today to the High Court requesting that a Knesset accused of offenses with which they are infamous be unable to form a government.

Netanyahu calls on Gantz, Peretz and Lieberman to set up emergency government with him // Photo: Connecticut

In December 2019, the High Court chose not to discuss a similar petition, saying that only after Netanyahu's mandate was imposed could a hearing be held. Judge Stein dismissed the petition out of hand for similar reasons.

"Finally, the main question is not ripe for debate and still early; and our answer to the derived question is, at this time, negative," Judge Stein wrote in the decision.

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The petition was filed by a group of about 20 security officials and professors shortly after the announcement by State President Ruby Rivlin to Blue and White Chairman Benny Gantz that he would not extend the mandate given to him to form a government.

If Gantz and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu do not sign an agreement for a unity government, and the picture of the recommenders will not change even after the end of the mandate - he will return to the Knesset. In such a situation, the 21-day period begins when Knesset members can formulate a majority to recommend an agreed candidate who will be given 14 days to form a government.

The petition alleges that defendant Netanyahu is in conflict of interest because his interests are subject to his own survival and personal freedom and not the public interest.