Government Hires New Lawyer for Judicial Overhaul Case After Initial Choice Withdraws
The Israeli Justice Ministry has approved a NIS 150,000 contract with attorney Harel Arnon to separately represent the government and Justice Minister Yariv Levin in petitions filed with the High Court of Justice against the legal advisor law. The law, passed by the Knesset in July, weakens the standing of the Attorney General's legal opinions and reduces the legal counsel's monopoly on representing the state in courts. The contract, awarded without a tender, is valid until the end of 2027 and is valued at approximately NIS 177,000, including VAT.
Arnon was not the first choice for the role. Attorney David Peter was initially selected and approved by the ministry's committee for hiring external lawyers. However, on September 10, Peter withdrew his candidacy after being placed on the Likud party's list for the upcoming Knesset elections. The Likud party had announced his placement at number 16 on their list two days prior.
Following Peter's withdrawal, the Justice Ministry approached Arnon on September 14. The protocol notes Arnon was "available and ready to provide representation immediately." His offer of NIS 150,000, including expenses and VAT, was accepted, citing his expertise, experience, and the "special trust relationship required in the circumstances."
The payment structure includes up to NIS 100,000 plus VAT upon submission of the preliminary response to the petitions, an additional NIS 30,000 after the first hearing, and up to NIS 20,000 upon the final verdict. The contract concludes either at the end of 2027 or when the petitions are resolved, whichever comes first.
Earlier, on July 27, Deputy Attorney General Gil Limon had already approved separate representation for the government and the Justice Minister. This was due to significant differences between the government's position and that of the legal counsel, and the public sensitivity and importance of the issues involved in the petitions. The law itself was approved by the Knesset on July 15 with a majority of 65 to 51, and is set to take effect on January 1, 2027.
