A bill to split the role of Israel’s attorney general passed its initial reading in the Knesset plenum on Wednesday (61-46).

The bill, presented by Knesset member Mishel Buskila of the New Hope Party led by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, was the first piece of legislation presented during the winter session of the 25th Knesset, which began on Oct. 20. The bill will now be deliberated in committee before being returned to the plenum for vote on the second and third readings.

Israel’s attorney general currently serves as both the government’s chief legal advisor and its top prosecutor. In this dual capacity, the attorney general provides legal counsel to the executive branch, while overseeing the Israeli Ministry of Justice and directing criminal prosecutions.

Supporters of judici

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