The Israeli Knesset passed a contentious bill on Wednesday that significantly restricts the authority of the attorney-general, marking a major milestone in the government’s judicial overhaul. The legislation, which cleared its final readings with a 65–51 vote, allows the government to disregard the attorney-general’s legal opinions and grants ministers control over the office’s appointment and removal procedures.
Legislative Changes and Government Authority
Sponsored by MK Simcha Rothman of the Religious Zionist Party, the new law fundamentally alters the role of the attorney-general. Under the current system, the attorney-general’s legal opinions are generally binding on the executive branch unless overruled by a court. The new legislation removes this requirement and strips the office of its exclusive authority to represent the state in court. Additionally, the law changes the dismissal process for the attorney-general, moving away from a committee led by a retired Supreme Court justice toward a process determined by the government.
The government has frequently clashed with current Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara, particularly regarding her refusal to halt the ongoing trial of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and her insistence on enforcing High Court rulings concerning the seizure of funds from ultra-Orthodox draft dodgers. Ministers have accused Baharav-Miara of conducting “witch hunts” and intentionally obstructing policy initiatives.
Opposition and Legal Challenges
The passage of the bill triggered immediate legal action. Organizations including the Movement for Quality Government in Israel (MQG), the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, and the Zulat Institute, along with MK Gilad Kariv, filed petitions with the High Court of Justice to strike down the legislation. The MQG described the law as a critical element of a broader “regime overhaul,” arguing it enables the government to unilaterally declare legal opinions as non-binding.
The Israel Democracy Institute (IDI) warned that the bill threatens the rule of law by removing essential checks on government power. According to the IDI, the legislation could “undermine the independence of the law enforcement system” and destabilize protections for human rights and democratic norms. Yashar Party leader Gadi Eisenkot condemned the move as an “attempt to neutralize Israel’s gatekeepers,” pledging that his bloc would work to repeal the law following the next elections.
Implementation and Future Outlook
The law is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027, following the upcoming national elections. Within 30 days of that date, the government is required to establish new procedures for the appointment and removal of the attorney-general. While the legislation passed after marathon committee meetings, coalition members—including Justice Minister Yariv Levin—have characterized the bill as a necessary “central pillar of the judicial reform.” As the government pursues a broader legislative blitz before the upcoming recess, the judiciary’s response to the pending petitions will likely determine the immediate future of these reforms.
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