MK Rotman Defends Legal Adviser Role Split, Cites Public Support for Reform

MK Simcha Rotman, chairman of the Knesset Constitution, Law and Justice Committee, rejected claims that advancing the bill to split the role of the Attorney General is a political coup. In a radio interview on 103fm, Rotman cited a recent i24 survey showing 60% public support and 92% support among coalition voters for the judicial reform. He argued that despite vocal protests and media coverage, the majority of the public backs the reform, stating, "If you say we lost legitimacy, keep saying that, the public thinks otherwise."

Rotman criticized the influence of protesters and questioned whether coalition supporters should be blocked from promoting the reform due to past demonstrations. He explained that the current bill represents the first part of the split, with the second part to be introduced in the next Knesset. The reform aims to redefine the Attorney General’s role to advisory only, removing their authority to dictate legal positions to the government.

Additionally, the bill would grant the government the right to present its position in court independently, without the Attorney General opposing it. Rotman emphasized that the legislation is not personal against Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara but addresses a historic injustice where the Attorney General refuses to represent the government’s official stance in judicial proceedings. He described this situation as unique globally and questioned who could justify a democratically elected government being effectively silenced by the Attorney General’s exclusive legal authority.