MK Rotman Defends Judicial Reform, Proposes Narrowed Split of Attorney General Role

MK Simcha Rotman, chairman of the Knesset Constitution, Law and Justice Committee, defended the ongoing judicial reform efforts during a 103FM interview amid current Supreme Court discussions. He explained his promotion of a scaled-back version of a key reform principle: splitting the role of the Attorney General. Rotman emphasized that despite the coalition's failure to pass most reform clauses due to perceived aggressive tactics, public support remains strong. Citing a recent i24 poll, he noted 60% of the general public and 92% of coalition voters back the reform.

Rotman criticized what he called the "Kaplan gang," a group with significant media influence but limited public backing, urging to move beyond their opposition. He questioned whether it was right to ignore the 92% coalition supporters who want reform just because of media pressure. Interviewer Michael Shemesh agreed that while the majority want reform, they also desire a reasonable and orderly process.

Yesterday, Rotman announced plans to split the Attorney General's role in legislation, retaining provisions allowing the government separate representation in the Supreme Court, preventing the Attorney General from representing the government unilaterally, and enabling the government to reject legal advice. The Justice Minister's oversight of the Attorney General would also increase. Rotman described this as "part one" of the split, with further reforms to be pursued by the next Knesset.

He argued the Attorney General should provide advice but not dictate legal decisions to the government, and that the government deserves its own voice in court proceedings. Rotman cited historical examples, including former Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, who was denied legal representation in court, calling this a unique injustice. He questioned how any democracy could justify a government being silenced legally except by the Attorney General alone.

Rotman stressed that his legislation is not personal but aims to correct systemic issues, signaling ongoing efforts to reshape Israel's judicial system in line with public support.