State Attorney to Government: "We Are Not Your Law Firm"

State Attorney Amit Issman stated on Sunday during an annual Ministry of Justice seminar in Eilat that the State Attorney's Office is committed to the public interest and the law, not to serving as the government's private legal counsel. "Our duty is to represent the state and the public interest within the bounds of the law," Issman declared, emphasizing that while he respects the elected officials' authority to set policy, the professional responsibility of the prosecution does not end where disagreement begins.

Issman also addressed an ongoing election integrity probe, stressing that initiating a criminal investigation, especially one involving a warning to an individual, requires a sufficient evidentiary basis in a democratic state. He highlighted the need for cooperation between different branches of government while maintaining professional independence, noting that differing roles and perspectives necessitate mutual respect and the safeguarding of each institution's autonomy for the benefit of the state and the public.

Reflecting on the past three years, Issman described them as presenting complex and unprecedented challenges to state systems, which the State Attorney's Office met with commendable performance. These challenges spanned various areas, including adapting to changing security realities, addressing novel legal issues, combating severe and organized crime, protecting state assets, and representing the state in court.

Concluding his remarks, Issman called for increased resources for the State Attorney's Office, arguing that investment in personnel, positions, technology, and infrastructure is essential for enhancing its efficiency and effectiveness.