Israeli Attorney General Urges Ministers to Exercise Restraint Ahead of Elections

As Israel prepares for upcoming elections following the dissolution of the Knesset, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara has instructed government ministers to exercise restraint and caution in decision-making during the interim government period. She emphasized that ministers should particularly moderate actions related to appointments and the use of state resources to avoid any perception of misuse or unfair advantage, and to prevent imposing irreversible decisions on the incoming government.

In an official letter, Baharav-Miara highlighted the judiciary's concern over the potential prioritization of narrow partisan interests over the public good during this sensitive time. She warned against creating "fait accompli" situations that could place the next government in an irreversible position. The letter also mandates that ministers and authorized officials consult their ministry’s legal advisors before making decisions.

Baharav-Miara noted that special administrative considerations applicable during election periods begin even before the official dissolution of the Knesset or election announcements, especially when the likelihood of imminent elections is known. She referenced recent political discussions about early elections and the preliminary approval of the bill to dissolve the 25th Knesset as factors that must be accounted for in legal reviews of recent and forthcoming government actions. The Attorney General stressed the importance of adhering to restraint and moderation rules throughout this transitional phase.