Israeli Parliament Passes Government Legal Advisor Bill in Narrow Vote

Israel’s Knesset approved legislation regarding the government’s legal adviser on Wednesday evening, with 65 lawmakers voting in favour and 51 opposing the measure. The bill passed its second and third readings in parliament, advancing the contentious proposal closer to law.

The vote reflects deep divisions within Israeli politics over the role and independence of the government’s chief legal officer. The position of Attorney General and government legal adviser has historically been crucial in Israel’s governance structure, particularly in reviewing government decisions for legality.

The legislation marks another significant moment in Israel’s ongoing constitutional and judicial debates. The passage comes amid broader tensions between the government and the judiciary, with various bills proposed in recent months aimed at reshaping judicial oversight and executive authority.

With the bill now having cleared its parliamentary readings, it moves forward in the legislative process. The narrow margin of support—just 14 votes separating backers from opponents—underscores the polarised nature of the debate surrounding judicial and executive checks and balances in Israeli governance.

Source: Walla News — Original article in Hebrew.