'Start packing': Ben Gvir vows to fire A-G as she restricts government power ahead of election

Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara has instructed ministers to exercise restraint in making non-routine decisions, emphasizing the need for consultation with legal advisers before acting. The directive comes as the Knesset dissolved ahead of the October 27 election, rendering the current government an "outgoing government" with a modified scope of action.

“

There is no doubt that we are within an ‘election period.’

Baharav-Miara's letter, sent to Government Secretary Yossi Fuchs, clarifies that while the government will continue to operate until a new one is formed, its powers are now subject to greater restrictions. The attorney general cited concerns from High Court rulings that outgoing governments might prioritize "narrow party interests" over the public good or create irreversible situations for the incoming administration.

“

Although it will continue to serve until a new government is formed, its scope of action and the manner in which it exercises its powers are now different from those of an ordinary government.

The directive does not impose a complete freeze on government activity. Instead, it reiterates the long-standing requirement for outgoing governments to balance their duty to govern with the restraint needed before an election. The urgency and necessity of a proposed action will determine the level of restraint required, with less urgency leading to greater restrictions. Detailed instructions covering various governmental functions, including cabinet decisions, appointments, and international agreements, will be distributed shortly. Legal opinions accompanying proposals will also need to explicitly address these election period restrictions.

“

The more urgent and essential a proposed government action is, the less restraint will be required. Decisions that are not urgent or necessary will face greater restrictions.