Israeli Parliament Votes on Bill to Weaken Attorney General's Authority

The Israeli Knesset is voting in its second and third readings on a controversial bill aimed at weakening the role of the Attorney General. The central change proposed by the coalition is to remove the binding legal authority of the Attorney General's opinions, reducing them to mere recommendations. This legislative move is part of a broader political deal with ultra-Orthodox parties, which includes approval of a Basic Law on Torah study, a law freezing arrests of draft dodgers, and a law on kosher certification.

Justice Minister Yariv Levin and Knesset Constitution Committee Chair Simcha Rothman have led the legislative process through nearly 70 committee meetings. Rothman defended the bill by stating it restores dignity to Israel's legal system and ensures all citizens receive legal representation. The bill defines the Attorney General's role as assisting the government in implementing its policies within the law, presenting legal alternatives, and ensuring the rule of law and uniform legal interpretation in the executive branch.

Under the bill, the Attorney General must provide legal advice in writing or orally to all executive authorities, including on legislation. However, the legal opinions will no longer be considered definitive law but rather reflect the current legal stance. The government may override the Attorney General's opinion if it reports the decision to the Constitution Committee or the Foreign Affairs and Security Committee for security matters. This override does not apply to criminal powers or statutory authorities granted to the Attorney General.

The Attorney General will represent the executive branch in court but must align with government policy. If the Attorney General cannot represent the government's position, they must notify the government, which can then appoint another lawyer. The Attorney General cannot appear in such cases without government approval, except in criminal proceedings. State bodies outside the executive, such as the State Comptroller, President's Office, or Knesset, will not be represented by the Attorney General without mutual consent, and in the Knesset's case, also with the Knesset Attorney's consent.

The bill excludes criminal proceedings and judicial or quasi-judicial authorities from these changes. The vote is being broadcast live by ynet and the Knesset Channel.