Israeli Legal Advisors Accused of Overstepping Authority and Undermining Government Policy

A recent investigative report titled "The Legal Advisors, Part 2" exposes serious allegations against Israel's Attorney General's Office, accusing it of transforming from a legal advisory body into a powerful entity that exceeds its authority. The investigation reveals that the office has actively blocked senior appointments within the security and police forces, including the thwarted nomination of Roman Gofman as Mossad chief and delays affecting senior police officers such as Deputy Commissioner Avishi Moalem and Kobi Yaakobi.

The report also scrutinizes the Police Investigations Department (Mahash), alleging it has been used as a pressure tool against officers attempting to implement the National Security Minister’s policies. Yuval Malka, former head of Border Police intelligence, stated that Mahash selectively investigates senior officials to neutralize their influence. Attorney David Peter criticized this practice, warning against normalizing the use of covert police forces to remove elected officials.

A significant portion of the investigation focuses on the controversy surrounding the "Spy Law," with claims that the Attorney General's Office has prevented law enforcement from using advanced technological tools necessary to combat serious crime and terrorism. Attorney Guy Busi harshly condemned the legal system's stance on this issue. One dramatic testimony came from Superintendent Udi Ronen, former head of incitement investigations, who recounted how a police request to arrest a suspect for incitement to terrorism was denied days before the suspect’s relatives carried out a deadly shooting attack near Jerusalem.

The report raises critical questions about whether the Attorney General's Office is safeguarding the rule of law or engaging in a political struggle against the elected government, potentially undermining law enforcement’s deterrence capabilities and costing lives. The investigation paints a picture of a powerful judicial system in direct conflict with the political leadership.

In response, the Israel Police emphasized their ongoing efforts to combat incitement to terrorism, especially following the October funeral events, including appointing a dedicated incitement officer. The Ministry of Justice and the Attorney General’s Office declined to comment on the report.