Israeli Knesset Approves Law Redefining Government Legal Advisor's Status Amid Controversy

The Israeli Knesset approved a law changing the status of the Government Legal Advisor in a second and third reading, with 65 votes in favor and 51 against. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was absent from the vote. The law is expected to take effect early next year. Initially intended to split the Government Legal Advisor's role, the law was divided so that the approved part solely redefines the advisor's status, weakening it compared to the current situation.

The legislation formally establishes the Government Legal Advisor's role, requiring them to provide legal advice to all executive branch entities. However, unlike the previous judicially established status, the government can now decide that the advisor's legal opinions do not reflect the existing law. This arrangement excludes criminal authority matters. The government may also refuse to be represented by the advisor if it rejects their legal stance and present only its own position.

The final version of the law does not address the appointment or removal procedures of the Government Legal Advisor. It mandates that by the end of January 2027, the government must revisit these procedures. The Association for Civil Rights in Israel, the Movement for Quality Government, Democracy Watch, Knesset member Gilad Kariv, and the Zulat Institute have petitioned the Supreme Court against the law, with more petitions expected.

Critics argue the law endangers human rights, weakens the rule of law, and dismantles key checks against unlawful government power. The Movement for Quality Government describes it as part of a regime change, allowing the government to override legal opinions, bypass the advisor with private lawyers, and politicize the state's chief legal watchdog.