United Torah Judaism Blocks Government Legal Adviser Split Bill Over Controversial Clause

The vote on the bill to split the position of the Attorney General in Israel is delayed as United Torah Judaism (UTJ) refuses to support it until the so-called "nanny clause" is reinstated on the government agenda. This dispute has intensified tensions within the coalition, prompting intense negotiations among coalition partners to reach a compromise and allow the bill to proceed to a vote during the day.

UTJ is leveraging its parliamentary power to push for commitments benefiting the ultra-Orthodox community, particularly demanding the return of the removed clause. Meanwhile, the Likud party and other coalition members are eager to advance the bill, which aims to separate the Attorney General's advisory and prosecutorial roles by creating a distinct State Prosecutor position, as part of a broader reform of the legal advisory system.

The Religious Zionist Party sharply criticized UTJ leader Moshe Gafni, accusing him of protecting the current judicial system's "dictatorship" and threatening that if the bill fails, Gafni and his allies will lose credibility in the ultra-Orthodox community. Supporters of the bill argue it will strengthen governance by dividing powers, while opponents warn it could undermine the independence of legal advice and the system of checks and balances.

The controversy highlights the fragile state of the coalition in the final stretch of the Knesset session, with internal disagreements over legal reforms and community interests complicating legislative progress.