Israel’s coalition faced renewed tensions Wednesday after United Torah Judaism chairman MK Moshe Gafni warned that his party would not support legislation restructuring the role of the Attorney General unless the government first advances a pending decision regarding continued funding arrangements for Chareidi private kindergarten networks.

The Knesset was expected to approve the bill in its second and third readings later in the day. The legislation, which was split from a broader proposal, seeks to redefine the relationship between the elected government and the Attorney General by formally establishing the Attorney General’s role as assisting the government in implementing its policies and presenting legal alternatives.

According to the report, Constitution, Law and Justice Committee chairman MK Simcha Rothman sought to delay the vote in an effort to give coalition leaders time to resolve the dispute, while opposition lawmakers protested the proceedings in the Knesset.

Under the bill, written legal opinions issued by the Attorney General would continue to reflect the Attorney General’s legal interpretation, but the government would be permitted, under certain circumstances, to determine that such opinions do not reflect the law, provided the decision is reported to the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee or the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. This provision would not apply to criminal matters, where the Attorney General’s independence would remain unchanged.

The legislation also provides that the government, rather than the Attorney General, would determine the state’s legal position in court. If the Attorney General declines to represent that position, the government could appoint outside legal counsel. In such cases, the Attorney General would be prohibited from appearing in the same proceeding without government approval. The bill would also make the Attorney General accountable to the government and subject to the oversight of the Justice Minister. If approved, the law would take effect on January 1, 2027.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)