Minister of Interior and Health in the Israeli Occupation government, Aryeh Deri, was dismissed from all ministerial posts on Sunday after he was convicted of tax fraud by the High Court on Wednesday.

Deri, who has always been a key ally to Netanyahu, signed a plea deal that prevents him from being appointed to any government posts.

Netanyahu said that the decision to dismiss Deri comes “with a heavy heart, with great sorrow,” according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s office.

Deri’s dismissal comes after thousands protested against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's new hard-right government, which critics say threatens Israeli Occupation’s democracy.