Israeli Knesset Advances Bills to Limit Attorney General's Powers
Legislation to split and weaken role of attorney general passes first Knesset reading
Image: The Times Of Israel
The Israeli Knesset voted 65-47 to advance two controversial bills aimed at reducing the authority of the attorney general, Gali Baharav-Miara. These bills would split the attorney general's role and make it harder to indict senior officials, raising concerns about checks on executive power ahead of potential early elections.
- 01The Knesset's vote followed a lengthy debate and is part of ongoing tensions between the government and Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara.
- 02One bill proposes splitting the attorney general's role into three positions, effectively diminishing its independence and authority.
- 03The second bill would require district court approval for indictments against senior officials, creating a two-tiered justice system.
- 04Critics argue these changes could politicize the prosecution service and weaken checks on government power.
- 05Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is currently on trial for corruption charges, which adds context to the proposed legislation.
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In a significant move, the Israeli Knesset voted 65-47 to advance two bills aimed at curtailing the powers of the attorney general, Gali Baharav-Miara. The first bill seeks to divide the attorney general's responsibilities into three distinct roles — a prosecutor general, a government representative to the courts, and a legal adviser to the government — thereby reducing the office's authority and independence. Critics warn that this would undermine a crucial check on government power, especially during elections. The second bill complicates the process for indicting senior officials, requiring district court approval for investigations and a special committee's consent for indictments. This could lead to a two-tiered justice system, where ordinary citizens face easier indictment processes compared to politicians. Supporters argue these reforms are necessary to empower elected officials, while opponents emphasize the risks of politicizing the judiciary. The backdrop to this legislation includes Prime Minister Netanyahu's ongoing trial for corruption, which has intensified scrutiny of the proposed changes.
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The proposed legislation could significantly alter the balance of power within the Israeli government, affecting how senior officials are prosecuted and potentially leading to a more politicized judiciary.
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