Current Israeli Government Hires Private Legal Representation in 14 Cases, Marking Sharp Rise Since 2016

A revealing document obtained by Channel 14's investigative desk exposes a dramatic increase in the current Israeli government's reliance on private legal representation. According to the document, the government has had to hire private lawyers for 14 different cases up to 2024, a significant jump compared to only two such instances across all previous governments since 2016. The earlier cases occurred during former Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked's tenure, involving lawyers Elad Rot and Harel Arnon.

Sources within the Ministry of Justice estimate that the cost of this private legal representation for the current government amounts to approximately five million shekels, funded by taxpayers. This surge in external legal hiring raises serious questions about the functioning of the Government Legal Advisor's Office. Attorney David Peter criticized the situation, stating, "They are paid to do this work, yet as a whole state institution, they have become passive in the face of public petitioners and political NGOs opposing the government, which is unprecedented and very serious."

The investigative series "The Legal Advisors" on Channel 14 further explores the real centers of power within the Government Legal Advisor's Office and the mechanisms behind the legal battles that are paralyzing government operations. Peter highlighted that the Ministry of Justice has an arsenal including the High Court petitions department and other prosecutors who should be handling these matters, questioning why external representation is necessary. The report underscores concerns about the Ministry of Justice's failure to adequately represent the government internally.