Israeli Petition Challenges Law Weakening Attorney General's Independence as Government Seeks Control

A petition was filed to Israel's Supreme Court by the Zulat Institute and Knesset member Gilad Kariv, represented by attorney Dafna Holtz-Lechner, opposing a recently passed law that diminishes the powers of the Attorney General. The petition is supported by prominent public figures including former Justice Minister Shimon Shetreet, Dr. Yossi Beilin, Professor Francis Raday, Yuval Rechavi, Dr. Meital Pinto, and Professor Yofi Tirosh. They argue the law represents a dramatic constitutional shift undermining the Attorney General's independence, the rule of law, and fundamental civil rights in Israel.

The petitioners describe the law as part of a broader government strategy since the formation of the 37th government to establish an authoritarian-competitive regime that manipulates democratic institutions. They claim the government is no longer merely weakening gatekeepers of democracy but actively seeking to control them through legislation that harms human rights, democracy, and equality, alongside political appointments and budget allocations favoring ultra-Orthodox and settler communities.

The controversy centers on Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, accused by ministers and Knesset members of overstepping her role by issuing legal opinions that blocked or delayed government policies. The government contends the reform restores decision-making authority to elected officials. However, critics highlight that Baharav-Miara has enforced legal limits on government actions, opposed controversial laws, and demanded accountability for the October 7 massacre, which has fueled a campaign against her and the judiciary.

The new law, passed by 65 Knesset members, restricts the Attorney General's authority by allowing the government to ignore her legal opinions, hire private lawyers against her rulings, and demand reports on her activities. It also mandates that the government set rules for appointing and dismissing the Attorney General within 30 days of the law's enactment. The petitioners request the Supreme Court to annul the law entirely or at least revoke its key provisions to preserve judicial independence and democratic checks and balances.

Attorney Dafna Holtz-Lechner emphasized the law was rushed through without thorough constitutional review and fundamentally alters the Attorney General's status, justifying urgent Supreme Court intervention. The petition warns that the law threatens human rights protections, anti-corruption efforts, public service integrity, election fairness, and democratic governance in Israel.