Ex-PMO Lawyer Breaks Silence on Proposed Civil Service Overhaul
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Aharon Heineman, a former lawyer in the Prime Minister's Office, broke his silence to criticize proposed legislation affecting senior civil service appointments. He argues the bill signifies a "regime change" and that appointed officials are acting against the law. Heineman also spoke about "coercive forces" in society that silence dissent, but expressed hope for future public service reform.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Former PMO lawyer Aharon Heineman criticizes proposed civil service appointment changes.
- Heineman calls the proposed changes a "regime coup" and a "regime change."
- He argues appointed officials in Israel act contrary to the law.
- Heineman cites "coercive forces" silencing dissent in Israeli society.
- He hopes the Supreme Court will not intervene in the legislation.
Aharon Heineman, a former lawyer in the Prime Minister's Office's legal department, has broken his silence to discuss a proposed bill that would change senior civil service appointments. Speaking on Einat Miron's podcast for Maariv, Heineman expressed hope that the Supreme Court will not intervene in the legislation.
Heineman described a significant "regime change" in Israel, arguing that the country now has a "second house" beyond the Knesset, whose members are appointed rather than elected and serve until age 70. He believes these appointed officials act as they please, even contradicting the law, and cited a Supreme Court justice who reportedly dismissed the Knesset's decisions after extensive debate. Heineman considers this a "regime coup" that the public is largely unaware of.
He also addressed the concept of "gatekeepers" in public service, noting its appearance in the Book of Esther. Heineman argued that today, the term is misapplied, as these individuals, instead of upholding their roles, act contrary to their duties, making it impossible to dismiss them. He desires a future where public service collaborates effectively with politicians.
Heineman acknowledged the strong "coercive forces" within Israeli society, citing academic and other fields where individuals face severe backlash for expressing dissenting opinions. He recounted instances where interviewees requested their statements be removed from the internet due to harsh criticism from colleagues. Heineman stated that his public comments might preclude him from returning to civil service but stands by his convictions, even if it means being disqualified from future roles.
He mentioned Doron Cohen, a former CEO of a senior company, as someone willing to put his name forward. Heineman believes that once the proposed law passes and public perception shifts, individuals like board chairmen will feel empowered to "say their truth."