Israel Knesset passes bill letting government sideline attorney general as court orders comptroller vote rerun

In a heated parliamentary session, the Israeli Knesset voted to modify a controversial bill that would have split the attorney‑general’s post. The final version retains the single office but permits the government to disregard the attorney general’s decisions in certain situations, prompting criticism that it weakens the separation of powers and democratic safeguards.

Separately, Israel’s High Court of Justice nullified the Knesset’s recent vote for the state comptroller, citing breaches of ballot secrecy tied to the intended appointment of Michael Rabello, former personal attorney of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The court ordered a new vote, creating the risk of a temporary vacancy in the oversight office.

Together, the legislative move and the court ruling deepen the ongoing clash between Netanyahu’s coalition and the judiciary, raising concerns about government oversight, market confidence in political stability, and the likelihood of a parliamentary dissolution.