Knesset Passes Law Limiting Israeli Attorney General's Authority Starting 2027

The Knesset approved in its second and third readings a new law defining the powers of the Attorney General of Israel, initiated by Smotrich's Religious Zionism party chairman and Constitution Committee head, Simcha Rothman. The law, set to take effect on January 1, 2027, clarifies that the Attorney General's role is to assist the government in implementing its policies within the law, allowing the government to adopt legal opinions that differ from those of the Attorney General. It also prevents the state from being represented in court with positions that contradict the government's stance.

The legislation strengthens the accountability of legal advisors in government ministries to their respective ministers and the government, and establishes oversight mechanisms by the Minister of Justice over the Attorney General's work. The law follows over 60 committee discussions and thousands of amendments addressing the relationship between the government and legal counsel.

Simcha Rothman described the law as a historic change restoring the Attorney General's role to advising and assisting the government rather than overriding its discretion or blocking its policy implementation. He emphasized that the law fulfills promises made in the Religious Zionism party platform and aims to ensure that an elected government can govern while receiving professional legal advice aligned with its policies.

Rothman also announced plans to pass a second part of the law after upcoming elections, which will address splitting the Attorney General's role. Finance Minister and Religious Zionism leader Bezalel Smotrich praised the legislation as a vital correction to Israeli democracy, with significant implications for Jewish identity, Zionism, security, and settlement policy. Both leaders committed to continuing judicial reforms in the coming years.