Smotrich Says Splitting Attorney General Role Marks Start of Current Model's End

Smotrich Party MK and Constitution, Law and Justice Committee Chair Simcha Rothman stated that the law to split the role of the Attorney General aims to clarify that the Attorney General is merely an advisor, not a government dictator. He emphasized that the Attorney General should not prevent the government from presenting its position in court, and the law intends to end the current situation where the state's legal stance contradicts that of the elected government. The law is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, after which the government will decide on the Attorney General's appointment and dismissal procedures. Rothman listed this law among several judicial reforms, including changes to the Judicial Selection Committee, the reasonableness standard, and the Public Complaints Commissioner for Judges. He acknowledged the law might face Supreme Court scrutiny but said the legislation is not contingent on the court's approval. Rothman also touched on the upcoming elections, expecting judicial reform to be a key issue, and expressed confidence that a stronger national camp would prevent judicial interference.

Regarding Haredi conscription and the Basic Law on Torah Study, Rothman said the Religious Zionist Party agrees that everyone should serve in the army and study Torah, aiming to increase Haredi enlistment and integration rather than creating draft evaders. Finally, Rothman discussed the Religious Zionist Party primaries and polling status, expressing hope to secure a high list position. He noted that reserved spots are at party leader Bezalel Smotrich's discretion and attributed the party's strengthening to its accumulated work and public accessibility during the current term.