Bill to Split the Role of the Attorney General

In recent months, the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee has been discussing the Bill to Split the Role of the Attorney General – 2025 (Hebrew), initiated by the Committee Chair, MK Simcha Rothman. The bill seeks to divide the position of Attorney General into two: an Attorney General and a Chief Prosecutor. The bill also proposes a slew of structural changes that significantly erode the independence of the legal advisory and law enforcement systems. Among other things, the bill shifts the appointment process to the government, based on the recommendation of the Minister of Justice; effectively renders the Attorney General’s legal opinions nonbinding; makes it easier to dismiss the Attorney General on vague grounds and based on broad governmental discretion; and allows the government to choose independent legal representation without the Attorney General’s approval. Additionally, the bill limits the Attorney General’s freedom to present in court a legal position that contradicts government policy, and places the role under closer political oversight.

The Attorney General plays a central role in the system of checks and balances, particularly since Israel’s legislative and executive branches are not fully separated. Over the years, the Attorney General has been regarded as a key gatekeeper, charged with protecting the rule of law and the public interest. The proposed changes effectively eliminate the Attorney General’s status as a gatekeeper and remove significant constraints on the power of those in political office. This raises concerns about the influence that political considerations will have on law enforcement and the reduced capacity to curb governmental abuse of power. Subordinating the Attorney General to the government could substitute political loyalty for an independent commitment to the rule of law and the principles of equality and fairness toward the public as a whole, thereby putting human rights protections, election integrity, and the fight against governmental corruption at risk.

Public debate over the multiple powers currently entrusted to the Attorney General is legitimate, but this bill does not offer an appropriate solution. Rather, it is part of a broader effort by the government aiming to change the balance of power between the branches of government for the stated purpose of eroding the status of gatekeepers, law enforcement authorities, and the judiciary.

Under the current government’s policy, law enforcement agencies already fail to provide full protection to citizens, especially when it comes to crimes motivated by nationalist ideology against Palestinians in the West Bank. Further undermining the Attorney General’s role is likely to undermine the already-low capacity and willingness to enforce the law as well.

For further reading

The Association for Civil Rights in Israel: Getting Rid of the Gatekeepers, January 20, 2026