Israeli Parliament Approves Controversial Split of Attorney General Role Amid Fierce Political Backlash

First reported by N12 · 1 day ago

What happened

The Israeli Knesset passed a law splitting the Attorney General's role, separating legal advice from criminal prosecution. The move, led by Simcha Rothman and supported by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, drew sharp criticism from opposition leaders who warned it threatens the rule of law and judicial independence. The law redefines the Attorney General's duties and limits the binding nature of their legal opinions on the government.

• 01Israeli Knesset approves law splitting Attorney General's advisory and prosecution roles.
• 02Simcha Rothman and Bezalel Smotrich praise the reform as historic and democratic.
• 03Opposition leaders warn the law undermines rule of law and judicial independence.
• 04New law makes Attorney General's legal opinions advisory, not binding on government.
• 05Government gains authority to reject Attorney General's legal interpretations with parliamentary oversight.
• 06Attorney General's role is codified in law for the first time, defining duties clearly.

Summary translated & synthesized from the sources below by baba. Read each original for the full report.

Full coverage · 11 outlets

The same event, reported separately by each newsroom. Open a few to compare what each emphasizes — and what they leave out.

Now 14Right · Hebrew2 hours ago

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