Netanyahu with Mandelblit
Netanyahu with MandelblitFlash 90

Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked (Jewish Home) brought for government approval Sunday the appointment of government secretary Avichai Mandelblit as Israel's next attorney general. 

All but one minister voted in favor of the appointment, paving the way for Mandelblit to take office on February 1 and serve as A-G for the next six years. He will replace current Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein. 

Housing Minister Yoav Galant (Kulanu) abstained from the vote. 

Mandelblit, the former Chief Military Prosecutor was selected last month by the Professional Committee for Selection of Candidates for Attorney General. 

The committee, headed by retired Supreme Court President Asher Grunis, informed Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Shaked that Mandelblit was the only candidate who received the support of four out of five committee members, as required.

The committee held 14 meetings to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the various candidates before deciding on Mandelblit, also known to be Netanyahu and Shaked's favored candidate.

Israel's Supreme Court rejected a petition last week from the Movement for Quality Government to repeal the appointment. 

The justices clarified that the petition was submitted too early, as the government had not yet approved Mandelblit's appointment.