Bill to split AG role will pass in this Knesset session, coalition said to assess

The coalition believes it will be possible to pass its proposed legislation splitting the role of the attorney general within the next two to three months, the Kan public broadcaster reports.

The Knesset yesterday passed, in preliminary readings, a series of nearly identical bills aimed at splitting the role of attorney general and removing the attorney general’s authority to initiate an investigation or prosecution of the prime minister, cabinet minister or lawmaker.

The coalition has been trying unsuccessfully for months to fire Attorney General Baharav-Miara, accusing her of working against the government.

Baharav-Miara has opposed several of the government’s signature legislative initiatives, including its controversial proposed judicial overhaul, and has also refused to defend the government in proceedings in the High Court against some of its policies and legislation.