Coalition weighs plan to split attorney general’s role during current session of Israel’s Knesset

The coalition estimates that it will be possible to pass the law splitting the Attorney General’s role during the current winter session of the Knesset, within two to three months. This was reported today (Thursday) on the program “At Noon” on Kan Reshet Bet.

The bill to divide the powers of the Attorney General, proposed by MK Michel Buskila, passed its preliminary reading yesterday with a majority of 61 to 46. The proposal was approved with the support of ultra-Orthodox party members, following an agreement with the coalition chairperson to advance a separate law concerning the powers of the rabbinical courts.

The law would allow the government to appoint a new Chief Prosecutor, separate from Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, who would have the authority to reconsider the indictments against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Justice Minister Yariv Levin praised the move, saying: “The attorney general currently holds draconian and unprecedented powers. The legal advisory system systematically acts to thwart the government’s policies.”

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, who previously served as justice minister and advocated splitting the roles of the attorney general, added: “This is a vital and necessary reform in the judicial system. It is time to end the inherent conflict of interest and the excessive concentration of power embodied in this position.”