Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara published her opinion this evening (Thursday) ahead of the discussion convened by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the issue of the law enforcement system's response to the anti-judicial reform and anti-government protests.
The attorney general informed the Prime Minister that in her opinion the government should not intervene in the issue. "Especially during a protest against the policies of the government and its policies, the government must be extremely careful to avoid actions that could be interpreted as an attempt to illegitimately influence the professional judgment of law enforcement officials."
"The law enforcement system is obliged to exercise its powers in a professional and independent manner. This independence is a central guarantee of the preservation of human rights," she added.
Baharav-Miara stated that even holding the discussion is problematic for the message it sends of the government's intentions in relation to the protests.
The opinion was criticized by coalition ministers.
Justice Minister Yariv Levin stated that the attorney general's opinion was "disturbing for two reasons: first, it ignores the ongoing and unprecedented violation of the basic rights of millions of citizens to get safely to work, to the hospital, to have free access to the airport, etc. Second, it ignores the dangerous selective enforcement that takes place today and cries out to the heavens, compared to the draconian way other protests are treated, such as those of the opponents of the Disengagement, Ethiopians, the haredi public, the settlers, and the Arab public."
"The right to protest within the framework of the law is sacred and is not subject to any debate, but massive violations of the law and incitement to violence and civil disobedience require a clear and uniform enforcement policy. We will demand answers to this at the next government meeting," said Minister Levin.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir went further, accusing the attorney general of "harming the rule of law and public trust" in Israel.
On Monday, anti-government protestors caused disruptions at Ben Gurion Airport and clashed with police. Dozens of demonstrators were arrested during the incident, which police and airport officials warned could have endangered lives if any emergency occurred at the airport.
