DistantNews
Support us
🇮🇱 Israel /Elections & Politics

Rothman kicks deputy attorney-general out of Knesset panel debating contentious A-G split bill

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • MK Simcha Rothman removed Deputy Attorney-General Gil Limon from a Knesset committee meeting debating a bill to split the attorney-general's role.
  • Critics argue the legislation would weaken the attorney-general's independence, while proponents, like Rothman, are pushing it forward rapidly.
  • The incident occurred during marathon meetings to advance the bill before upcoming elections, amid ongoing clashes between the government and the judiciary.

A heated Knesset committee meeting on Tuesday saw MK Simcha Rothman expel Deputy Attorney-General Gil Limon, escalating tensions surrounding a contentious bill to bifurcate the attorney-general's office. Limon was asked to leave the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee after attempting to speak during the debate.

Gil, please leave

— Simcha RothmanMK Simcha Rothman repeatedly telling Deputy Attorney-General Gil Limon to leave the committee meeting.

Critics contend that the legislation, being fast-tracked by the coalition, will significantly diminish the attorney-general's authority and independence. Rothman, a key sponsor of the bill and chairperson of the committee, ordered Limon's removal. The incident occurred as five deputy attorneys-general made a rare joint appearance to voice their opposition to the proposed split.

a disgrace

— Gilad KarivMK Gilad Kariv condemning Rothman's removal of Limon.

During the debate, Limon argued that the bill "fundamentally changes the role of the attorney-general," effectively aiming to "eliminate the position." MK Gilad Kariv condemned Rothman's actions as "a disgrace." The committee has been holding marathon sessions this week to advance the legislation, which has already passed its first reading in the Knesset plenum and requires two more before becoming law.

fundamentally changes the role of the attorney-general

— Gil LimonDeputy Attorney-General Gil Limon explaining the impact of the bill.

Legal experts have warned that the proposal could grant the government unprecedented power over its chief legal adversary. Opponents stress that the attorney-general's independent standing is crucial for upholding the rule of law. This legislative push occurs amidst persistent friction between the government and the current Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara, and as the coalition races to pass its agenda before elections scheduled for no later than October 27.

effectively eliminating the position

— Gil LimonDeputy Attorney-General Gil Limon describing the consequence of the bill.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog