Israel's parliament has passed a law that reduces the authority of the attorney-general, a move that could deepen political instability and put Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition under fresh strain. The legislation, approved on Monday, limits the attorney-general's ability to issue legal opinions binding on government ministries and restricts oversight of appointments. Critics say the change weakens a key check on executive power.
Why the law matters
The attorney-general has long served as both the government's legal adviser and the public prosecutor, a dual role that gave the office broad influence over policy and legislation. Under the new law, ministers will no longer be required to follow the attorney-general's legal opinions, and the office's power to block appointments deemed improper will be curtailed. Supporters argue the reform is needed to prevent overreach by an unelected official, but opponents warn it erodes the rule of law and could allow political considerations to override legal standards.
Pressure on the coalition
The law's passage may increase pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's governing coalition, which has already faced internal divisions over judicial changes. Some coalition members have pushed for even broader reforms, while others worry about the political fallout. The move comes at a time when Netanyahu is also dealing with his own legal troubles, including an ongoing corruption trial. The reduced powers of the attorney-general could affect how that case proceeds, though the law does not directly address it.
Risk of parliamentary dissolution
Opposition parties have vowed to challenge the law in the Supreme Court, and some have called for early elections. If the coalition cannot hold together amid the controversy, the Knesset could vote to dissolve itself, triggering a new election. That would be the fifth national vote in just over three years. The government has a slim majority, and defections over the attorney-general issue are possible. The coming weeks will show whether the law strengthens the coalition or accelerates its collapse.
