A bill to split Israel's attorney-general post passed its first Knesset reading with a 65–47 vote. The proposal would create two offices: an Attorney-General appointed by the government to serve alongside the appointing administration, and a state prosecutor selected by a public committee for a six-year term. Supporters say the change limits concentrated power; opponents, including Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara, warn it could politicize legal decisions and weaken democratic checks.
Knesset Passes First Reading to Split Attorney-General Role in 65–47 Vote
Finance Committee chair MK Hanoch Milwidsky leads a Finance committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, June 1, 2026. (photo credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)
The Knesset approved in its first reading a bill that would divide the single post of attorney-general into two separate offices: an Attorney-General and a state prosecutor. The measure passed the plenum on Tuesday with 65 lawmakers voting in favor and 47 opposed.
What the Bill Proposes
Under the draft law, the Attorney-General would be appointed by the government following recommendations from the prime minister and the justice minister, and would serve a term concurrent with the government that appointed them. A separate state prosecutor would be appointed for a six-year term by a public committee and would lead the prosecution service.
Supporters' Rationale
Proponents say the change is intended to prevent an excessive concentration of power within a single office, reduce perceived conflicts of interest and allow ministers greater ability to reject or bypass the Attorney-General's legal opinions.
Attorney general Gali Baharav-Miara at a Constitution, Law and Justice Committee meeting at the Knesset, in the Israeli parliament on September 30, 2025. (credit: OREN BEN HAKOON/FLASH90)
Opposition and Concerns
Current Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara called the proposal "stage two of the judicial reform," warning it could trigger a race to weaken democratic institutions ahead of a possible Knesset dissolution.
Critics argue the reform could politicize legal decision-making by tying the Attorney-General's appointment and tenure more closely to the sitting government.
Next Steps
The bill, advanced by MKs Hanoch Milwidsky, Yitzhak Kreuzer and other lawmakers, will return to the Knesset's Constitution, Law and Justice Committee for further discussion and amendment before additional readings.
Key facts: First reading passed 65–47; bill splits the attorney-general post; Attorney-General appointed by government, state prosecutor chosen by a public committee for six years; debate centers on separation of powers and risks of politicization.
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