Netanyahu Told to Stay Away from Controversial Judiciary Overhaul Due to Corruption Trial

Israel's attorney-general Gali Baharav-Miara has warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against getting involved in a proposed overhaul of the country's judiciary due to a conflict of interest related to Netanyahu's ongoing corruption trial. In a letter to the PM, Baharav-Miara stated that there was a "reasonable concern" that the trial would pose a conflict of interest, and advised Netanyahu to "avoid intervening in initiatives regarding changes in the judicial system."

However, Netanyahu's office has rejected the attorney-General's position, calling it "unacceptable." The conflict over the overhaul of Israel's judiciary has caused a significant controversy, with tens of thousands of Israelis taking to the streets in protest. The proposals would give the government control over the appointment of judges and allow a simple majority in parliament to override decisions by Israel's top court.

Critics of the proposals argue that the changes will endanger minority protections and make Israel a less attractive place for investment. Baharav-Miara echoed these concerns in a legal opinion, stating that the proposals would "fundamentally change the democratic nature of the state's governance" and raise "fundamental concerns" regarding the separation of powers, judicial independence, and the protection of individual rights.

Despite the opposition, Netanyahu has sought to downplay concerns, claiming that the proposed overhaul would reduce "superfluous" litigation and that a recent sale of government bonds is proof of investor trust in Israel.