The watchdog group filed the petition with the High Court of Justice moments after the Knesset gave final approval Wednesday evening to a law preventing the Attorney General from arguing against the government in court, according to N12. The group called the legislation "a last-minute backroom deal from a coalition without legitimacy." The law, approved 65-51, was promoted by MK Simcha Rothman, who said it marks "a historic change" in the legal counsel's role.
In a swift legal challenge, the Movement for Quality Government in Israel petitioned the High Court of Justice on Wednesday evening, just minutes after the Knesset approved a law that curtails the Attorney General's authority. The law, passed by a vote of 65-51, prevents the Attorney General from arguing against the government in the High Court. MK Simcha Rothman, who sponsored the bill, hailed the vote as "a historic change." The watchdog group, in its petition, described the law as "a last-minute backroom deal from a coalition without legitimacy," arguing it undermines the independence of the legal counsel.
The petition follows the Knesset's final approval of the legislation, which The Zioneer reported earlier this evening. The bill had advanced through the Knesset Constitution Committee on Sunday and faced a filibuster by opposition MKs, who submitted thousands of reservations to delay its passage. The Movement for Quality Government has previously petitioned the High Court against other laws passed by the current coalition, including the Police Internal Investigations law and the Basic Law on Torah Study.
The High Court has not yet issued a response to the petition. The law's opponents argue it will weaken the legal system's checks on executive power, while supporters say it clarifies the Attorney General's role as an advisor rather than a decision-maker.
3 developments
- StrongACRI petitions High Court against Attorney General Bill, warns it 'endangers human rights, weakens rule of law'
- StrongMovement for Unity of Government petitions High Court against Attorney General split law
- DevelopingCoalition Rebels Vote in Favor, Restricting Attorney General's High Court Standing
- StrongKnesset committee approves law to weaken attorney general's role, sends to final votes
Source and signal
- Internal intake