Netanyahu Coalition Passes Controversial Law Weakening Attorney-General's Authority
The 61-51 vote lets ministers reject the attorney general’s advice and choose the state’s legal position in court, amid a wider judicial overhaul.
- On Wednesday, the Knesset passed legislation allowing the government to disregard legal opinions from Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, approved by a 61 to 51 vote empowering ministers to determine legal interpretations independently.
- Justice Minister Yariv Levin and Constitution Committee Chairman Simcha Rothman led the legislation through nearly 70 committee sessions, arguing the measure restores governability by allowing elected officials to implement their policies.
- The law, effective January 1, 2027, removes the binding status of the attorney general's opinions and permits the government to bypass the professional appointments committee when removing Baharav-Miara from office, reversing a procedure previously struck down by the Supreme Court.
- Opponents warned the measure allows the government to operate without legal restraints, prompting civil rights groups to file petitions with the Supreme Court immediately after passage. Oded Feller of the Association for Civil Rights in Israel said the government will no longer be "practically subject to the rule of law."
- While the legislation passed as part of a political agreement with ultra-Orthodox parties, it remains unclear whether the Supreme Court will freeze implementation before the January 1, 2027 deadline. The ruling coalition continues its legislative blitz with broadcasting sector reforms expected soon.
18 Articles
18 Articles
The Knesset passes a law that weakens the Attorney General. There were always conflicts between the incumbent and the government.
Knesset Passes Law Splitting Attorney General’s Role, Expanding Government Powers
Israel’s government will gain broad new powers over […] The post Knesset Passes Law Splitting Attorney General’s Role, Expanding Government Powers appeared first on The Media Line.
Knesset approves law reducing authority of Israeli attorney general
The Knesset plenum voted 65-51 to approve a law restricting the authority of the attorney general on Wednesday night. Although the law does not split the attorney general into two separate roles, as originally envisioned, it weakens two core pillars of the position.First, the law negates the binding nature of the attorney general's legal opinions. Currently, the government is not obliged to take the AG’s advice.Second, it gives the government th…
Die Presse
ORF.at NewsThe government can in future ignore legal opinions, critics see the rule of law control weakened.
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