Analysis: Neeman lets the chips fall where they may

Analysis Neeman lets th

By DAN IZENBERG
Justice Minister Yaakov Neeman likes to remind his listeners that he is not a politician and does not enjoy the pursuits of politicians. But of course, it is the politicians who make the decisions that determine the laws by which we live and the public institutions and arrangements that govern us. On Monday, Neeman presented to the public his plan to divide the current responsibilities of the attorney-general into two separate functions, an adviser to the government and a chief prosecutor. The proposal has many supporters, but has also met with stiff opposition from legal experts and a number of outstanding jurists who have held the position of attorney-general, including the present one, Menahem Mazuz. It is now up to the cabinet to decide what to do with the justice minister's proposal. But Neeman himself has made it clear he will have nothing to do with the political struggle that lies ahead - assuming there is one. During an international symposium at Tel Aviv University on Tuesday, Neeman irritatedly dismissed a reporter's question about alleged Labor Party opposition to his plan. Yet this now seems to be the critical issue that will determine whether or not the plan is adopted by the government. This issue is of no personal interest to him, because it is now a political matter. Neeman is one of the most distinguished lawyers in Israel, and on the basis of his professional expertise, he presented a proposal to the cabinet and the nation which he believes is for the good of the country. He has done his part. He will not lower himself to the level of a politician to cajole and lobby his cabinet colleagues to support his plan. As far as he is concerned, it is now up to the politicians to decide what to do with it. And let the chips fall where they may.