Israel Appoints First Female Attorney General

JERUSALEM (JNS) – The Israeli Cabinet on Monday approved the appointment of Gali Baharav-Miara as attorney general, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.

“This is one of the most important and sensitive appointments in the public service,” said Prime Minister Naftali Bennett at the start of the Cabinet meeting at which Baharav-Miara’s appointment was finalized.

“At this time, given the erosion of public confidence in law enforcement, there is an important opportunity here to maintain what needs to be maintained and to correct what needs to be corrected,” added Bennett, who, along with Justice Minister Gideon Sa’ar, recommended Baharav-Miara for the post. Hers had been among three names submitted by the selection committee, chaired by former Supreme Court President Asher Grunis.

“We need a good, strong and serious establishment that the public will trust,” Bennett continued. “Moreover, the basic role of the attorney general is to assist the government in implementing its policy in the framework of the confines of the law. The government is here to govern, to function, to work for the benefit of the citizens of the state and to take the country forward.”

Bennett also highlighted the fact that, “for the first time, the State of Israel will have a female attorney general. Our government sees all citizens of Israel, women and men, as being able to achieve anything.”

Baharav-Miara, formerly Tel Aviv District Attorney for Civil Affairs, replaces Avichai Mandelbit, whose term as attorney general ended on Jan. 31.