Israeli Knesset Committee Approves Legal Adviser Role Reform Bill

The Knesset Constitution Committee approved the bill regulating the status and role of the Attorney General in Israel during its second and third readings on Sunday. The legislation, proposed by MK Eliyahu Ravivo and colleagues, formalizes the Attorney General's advisory role to the government, allowing the government to deviate from his legal opinions and select alternative legal representation if necessary.

The bill is based on the "Ravivo Outline" principles and establishes clear rules for legal representation of the executive branch in courts, including oversight and accountability mechanisms. It preserves the Attorney General's full independence in criminal matters despite structural changes to government legal advice.

Due to time constraints, MK Simcha Rothman introduced an alternative bill that does not split the Attorney General's role but legally anchors his function as a government advisor who helps implement policy within the law, presents legal alternatives, and ensures rule of law and uniform legal interpretation in the executive branch. This bill permits the government to set its legal stance even if it differs from the Attorney General's opinion and to appoint other lawyers if the Attorney General cannot represent the government or if a minister believes the government's position is inadequately presented.

The opposition submitted 14,500 objections to the bill last week. Rothman and MK Avichai Boaron succeeded in removing a controversial clause regarding the subordination of ministry legal advisers to the Attorney General, effectively maintaining the current legal status quo based on government decisions. This move was criticized by some, including MK Gilad Kariv, who argued it constitutes a significant change requiring separate discussion amid extensive committee deliberations on numerous objections.

Deputy Attorney General Elazar Stern confirmed that removing the clause leaves the situation unchanged, which sparked debate within the committee. The bill now awaits further legislative procedures following its committee approval.