Friedmann introduces plan to split AG's position

Justice Minister Daniel Friedmann called a press conference on Thursday to introduce a motion which would allow for the attorney general position to be split in two: Attorney general and government legal counsel.

The motion, said Friedmann, "already enjoys massive public support" and should it become an official bill, it would come into effect only after Attorney General Menachem Mazuz's tenure comes to its end.

According to Friedmann's suggestion, the attorney general would be in charge of all aspects pertaining to criminal law, with all other legislative aspects left up to the government’s legal counsel.

Moreover, should the bid materialize, the government would no longer be bound by any legal brief prepared by its advisor; and should it disagree with the latter's opinion, the government would be able to retain the services of privet sector lawyers.

"Contrary to the opinion of some, this move is meant to strengthen the Attorney General's Office by rendering it independent from the government," said Friedmann.

The position of legal counsel to the government is one of great importance, he added, but "the conjunction of both with the government is an ill advised one."

"Both positions are very important ones and it's time they undergo some changes," said Attorney Dan Avi-Yitzhak, a former candidate for the AG position and one of the contributors to Friedmann's motion, who was also present at the press conference.

"One has to remember that the workload placed on the attorney general is great and may hinder carrying out both duties effectively," he added.

Friedmann first announced he would be seeking to split the AG's responsibilities on Sunday, during a Ministerial Committee on Legislation meeting, which happened to discuss a similar – private – bill.

Attorney General Menachem Mazuz, who was present at the meeting, entered his objection for the record.