Israeli Knesset Approves Law Weakening Attorney General's Role Amid Controversy

The Israeli Knesset passed a law on July 15, 2026, in its second and third readings that significantly weakens the role of the Attorney General. The vote was 65 in favor and 51 against, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu absent from the session. The legislation splits the current Attorney General position into two separate roles: a Government Legal Advisor responsible for civil advice and representation, and a General Prosecutor exclusively handling criminal law and prosecution. The Justice Minister will have the authority to resolve disputes over the division of powers between these two positions.

Under the new law, the Attorney General will be appointed by the government based on recommendations from the Prime Minister and Justice Minister, with a term linked to the appointing government's tenure. The government may dismiss the Attorney General for disagreements hindering cooperation, misconduct, refusal to perform duties, or if a criminal investigation is opened against them. The Attorney General must assist the government in advancing its policies, but the government can declare that specific legal opinions do not reflect the law. It can also appoint external lawyers to represent the state in legal proceedings if it believes the Attorney General is not adequately representing its position.

When an external lawyer is appointed, the Attorney General may only appear in court with government consent, except in criminal cases. Additionally, the government will appoint a "Senior Deputy" with the Attorney General's consent and the Justice Minister's recommendation to represent public interests in court.

The Movement for Quality Government in Israel immediately petitioned the Supreme Court against the law, calling it a "last-minute coup by an illegitimate coalition." The group accused Prime Minister Netanyahu, who faces criminal charges, of dismantling the institution leading the prosecution in his trial to install a loyal legal advisor who might cancel his indictment.