Bill that would split role of attorney-general passes first Knesset reading

Israel's Knesset has advanced a bill that would divide the attorney-general's responsibilities into two distinct roles: an attorney-general and a state prosecutor. The legislation, which passed its first reading with 65 votes in favor and 47 against, will now move to the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee for further discussion.

The proposed law outlines different appointment mechanisms for the two positions. The attorney-general would be appointed by the government, serving a term aligned with the government that appointed them. In contrast, the state prosecutor would be appointed for a six-year term by a public committee and would lead the prosecution.

Proponents of the bill, including MKs Hanoch Milwidsky and Yitzhak Kreuzer, state its purpose is to prevent an excessive concentration of power and mitigate conflicts of interest, allowing ministers to disregard the attorney-general's legal opinions. However, current Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara strongly opposed the bill, labeling it "stage two of the judicial reform." She warned that the move signals a push to dismantle democratic institutions, potentially timed before a Knesset dissolution.

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stage two of the judicial reform