Israeli Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara warned on Monday that the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pursuing measures that could significantly weaken law enforcement and oversight institutions.
Speaking at a conference organized by the Israel Bar Association, Baharav-Miara criticised legislation being advanced by the governing coalition, according to the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation.
She said that Israel is witnessing what she described as a “race to undermine democratic institutions” as the current term of the Knesset approaches its scheduled end.
According to Baharav-Miara, “This is no longer about isolated or gradual steps, but an accelerated process that could lead to a profound change in the nature of the democratic system and law enforcement institutions.”
The attorney general referred to proposed legislation that would limit the powers of the Supreme Court of Israel, particularly its ability to invalidate legislation that conflicts with Israel’s Basic Laws.
She also highlighted government proposals to separate some of the powers currently held by the attorney general and amendments affecting the police investigations unit.
Baharav-Miara said these initiatives would “fundamentally alter the nature of the law enforcement system and the mechanisms of legal oversight of the executive branch.”
She further warned that repeated calls to disregard court rulings could create a situation in which judicial decisions become “questioned or non-binding in the eyes of segments of the public.”
