Israel parliament limits attorney general's powers in controversial vote

Israel's parliament has enacted a contentious law that curtails the authority of Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, a move critics contend undermines judicial oversight of the government. The Knesset approved the bill in its final reading, with the governing coalition stating it aims to redefine the relationship between the government and its legal advisors.

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The new legislation allows the government to disregard legal opinions from the attorney general, a move critics argue weakens checks and balances on executive power.

Under the new law, the government can effectively ignore legal opinions from the attorney general regarding the compatibility of its decisions with existing law. This change is viewed by opponents as a threat to fundamental democratic principles in a country without a second legislative chamber or a formal constitution. The attorney general serves as one of the few checks on executive power in Israel.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies have long accused the attorney general of overreach and excessive interference in government affairs, arguing she wields too much power without being democratically elected. This conflict has intensified as Baharav-Miara has repeatedly found decisions by the political leadership to be unlawful or legally problematic.

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The attorney general serves as one of the few checks on executive power in Israel.

Last year, the government attempted to dismiss Baharav-Miara, but the Supreme Court overturned that decision. The recently passed law also empowers the government to set its own rules for appointing and dismissing the attorney general. The government plans to pass additional controversial legislation this week before the parliament is dissolved for elections scheduled on October 27.

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies have long accused the attorney general of overreach and excessive interference in government affairs, arguing she wields too much power without being democratically elected.