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Knesset passes law splitting attorney general’s role, expanding government powers

The measure passed 65-51. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was absent from the vote.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

The Knesset on Wednesday passed legislation in its second and third readings to split the attorney general’s position and give the government greater authority over the office, including the power to dismiss the government’s chief legal adviser.

The measure passed 65-51. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was absent from the vote, N12 reported.

Under the law, the current position will be divided into two roles. The attorney general will oversee legal advice and civil representation, while a separate prosecutor general will have exclusive authority over criminal law and public prosecutions.

The justice minister will resolve disputes over the division of powers between the two offices.

The government will appoint the attorney general on the recommendation of the prime minister and justice minister. The attorney general’s term will be tied to that of the government that made the appointment.

The government will also be permitted to dismiss the attorney general over disagreements it believes impede cooperation, inappropriate conduct, refusal to perform a duty or the opening of a criminal investigation against the officeholder.

The law requires the attorney general to assist the government in advancing its policies.

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While written legal opinions from the attorney general will be considered interpretations of the law, the government may determine that it does not accept a specific opinion as reflecting the law.

The government may also establish its own position in legal proceedings and hire outside counsel if the attorney general cannot present that position or is deemed not to represent it adequately.

In such cases, the attorney general may appear in court only with government approval, except in criminal proceedings.

Several organizations filed petitions with the High Court of Justice challenging the legislation.

The Movement for Quality Government in Israel called the vote “a last-minute power grab by a coalition without legitimacy” and accused Netanyahu of seeking to weaken the institution heading the prosecution in his criminal trial.

The Association for Civil Rights in Israel said the law “endangers human rights, weakens the rule of law and dismantles the first line of defense against the unlawful use of government power.”

Yashar Chairman Gadi Eisenkot called the measure “a blatant attempt to neutralize the gatekeepers of the State of Israel and crush the rule of law” and pledged to repeal legislation harming democratic institutions in the next government.