Israel Imposes Strict Restraints on Government Actions Until November Elections
Following the Knesset's dissolution, expected to be completed by tomorrow, Israel's political system is entering a new phase marked by mandatory restraint and consensus. According to the principle of parliamentary continuity, the current Knesset will remain active until at least mid-November, but under strict recess rules that prevent the outgoing coalition from unilateral actions. Ministers are restricted from using their offices for election propaganda or making irreversible decisions before the upcoming elections.
Next week, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara will issue official guidelines to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and cabinet members detailing how to conduct themselves and manage ministry resources during this interim period. Baharav-Miara emphasizes that the outgoing government must exercise restraint in exercising its powers unless urgent and essential actions are required. This balance aims to allow the state to function while preventing misuse of authority for partisan advantage.
The guidelines will also address public appointments, generally advising against filling public roles during election periods unless justified by specific circumstances. All ministerial decisions outside routine administration must be pre-approved by the ministry's legal advisor, and any government proposals during the election period require legal clearance before submission. The Attorney General warns against using state resources or official imagery, such as photos with soldiers or police, for election campaigning.
Regarding police investigations of public figures, ongoing probes will continue, but authorities must avoid politically motivated actions or manipulative complaints. The Attorney General retains discretion over the intensity of sensitive investigations.
On the legislative front, the Knesset will continue to function until the new assembly convenes, but any legislative activity or committee meetings during the election recess require prior approval from a special "consensus committee" composed of coalition and opposition representatives. This ensures that no laws or regulations are passed without bipartisan agreement during this sensitive period.
