What's happened
Israeli lawmakers advanced legislation to split the attorney general's role into three positions, aiming to reduce judicial independence. Concurrently, efforts to delay Prime Minister Netanyahu's corruption trial gained momentum, with calls for a presidential pardon amid political tensions and international attention.
What's behind the headline?
The legislative push to split the attorney general's role reflects a strategic attempt to concentrate political power and weaken judicial independence in Israel. By creating separate, politically appointed positions—prosecutor general, government legal representative, and attorney general—the government aims to control legal proceedings and reduce the influence of the current independent attorney general. This move is likely to undermine the system of checks and balances, raising fears of politicized justice. The timing coincides with efforts to delay Netanyahu's corruption trial, including proposals to suspend legal proceedings against ministers and the prime minister himself. These initiatives suggest a coordinated effort to shield Netanyahu from legal accountability, potentially setting a precedent for politicized legal immunity. The international community and opposition voices warn that these reforms threaten democratic norms and the rule of law, with some analysts predicting increased political instability and erosion of judicial independence if passed. The upcoming legislative process will determine whether Israel's judiciary remains a check on executive power or becomes subordinate to political interests, with significant implications for its democratic integrity.
What the papers say
The Times of Israel reports that the proposed bill aims to split the attorney general's role into three positions, all politically appointed, and shift control of the Attorney General’s Office to the government and justice minister. The article highlights the opposition from the Attorney General’s Office, which argues the legislation is unconstitutional and designed to serve Netanyahu's personal interests, especially amid his ongoing corruption trial. The article also notes that the bill's supporters, including Justice Minister Yariv Levin and MK Simcha Rothman, claim it corrects a 'distorted' system and reduces concentration of power. Meanwhile, the same source details efforts to delay Netanyahu's trial, including bills to suspend legal proceedings against ministers and the prime minister, supported by coalition figures like MK Limor Son Har-Melech. Critics warn these measures threaten the rule of law and could lead to a two-tier justice system. The New Arab adds that Netanyahu's wife, Sara Netanyahu, has urged ministers to sign a letter calling for a presidential pardon for Netanyahu, even as his trial continues. US President Donald Trump has publicly supported the idea, urging Israeli President Isaac Herzog to pardon Netanyahu, citing the case as a 'witch hunt.' Herzog is reportedly exploring legal avenues for a pardon, but his office denies initiating such discussions. The contrasting perspectives reveal a political landscape deeply divided over judicial independence and Netanyahu's legal challenges, with international figures weighing in on the potential implications for Israeli democracy.
How we got here
The proposed legal reforms follow months of government efforts to weaken the judiciary and remove Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, who has opposed the government's legislative plans. Netanyahu's ongoing corruption trial, initiated in 2020, remains a focal point of political controversy, with some advocating for a pardon to influence the case. The legislation aims to create separate roles for legal advising, prosecution, and court representation, all politically appointed, shifting power away from the current independent attorney general system. These moves are part of a broader effort by Netanyahu's coalition to reshape Israel's legal landscape, raising concerns about checks and balances.
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