Government approves Weinstein's appointment as AG
Attorney Yehuda Wesintein - whose past clients were Netanyahu, Olmert and Deri - to replace Attorney General Menachem Mazuz next month; his term to last six years
The government on Sunday morning unanimously approved the appointment of Attorney Yehuda Wesintein as Israel's next attorney general. Weinstein will replace the current attorney general, Menachem Mazuz, next month. His term will last six years, until 2016.
According to a statement issued by the government, the start of the term is subject to the completion of required procedures in terms of the conflict of interests issue – in light of the cases of senior officials handled by Weinstein in the past – and a security classification.
Justice Minister Yaakov Ne'eman, who presented the appointment to the government last week, said Sunday that he had no doubt that Weinstein was "the most suitable candidate."
Netanyahu, Sunday morning. 'Mazuz deserves every word of praise' (Photo: Reuters)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the justice minister on the selection procedure and used warm words to thank Mazuz for his term. "You did an excellent job under very difficult conditions. You navigated with a lot of wisdom, the wisdom of mind and the wisdom of heart. You deserve every words of praise for your actions."
Mazuz himself said, "Attorney Weinstein is highly regarded by the legal community, both for his knowledge and professionalism and for his character and integrity. He will receive all the required aid from the legal system for an organized transit of the position, and will be backed and supported in his work."
Ne'eman said, "I was convinced in my meeting with Weinstein that he holds the required organization and managerial skills, and I have no doubt that he will be able to fulfill most of the duties imposed upon the attorney general."
Famous clients
Weinstein is a highly regarded criminal lawyer in the private sector. His clients include Prime Minister Netanyahu, former Shas Chairman Aryeh Deri, and former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. His main expertise is in criminal law – an important field for the position of attorney general.
Ne'eman made his recommendation after a committee appointed to select a list of candidates declared that its efforts had failed and returned the mandate given to it to the government, which decided that Ne'eman would present his own candidate.
The decision was made after Ne'eman reviewed the material handed over to him by the committee and additional documents, conversations with the three candidates' proponents, as well as personal meetings with each candidate.
Education Minister Gideon Sa'ar, Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz, Defense Minister Ehud Barak and Industry, Trade and Labor Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer praised the appointment and the selection process before the vote.
