Edelstein Says He Will Back Lifting Gottlieb’s Immunity Over Intelligence Concerns

Likud MK Yuli Edelstein said Wednesday that he will vote in favor of stripping MK Tally Gotliv of her parliamentary immunity, ahead of the Knesset plenum vote. In a video posted to social media, the former Knesset speaker said he felt compelled to explain his position because the debate has been framed as a personal showdown.

Edelstein said the issue is not Gotliv or Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, but the broader consequences of protecting the identities of people connected to Israel’s security and intelligence services. He argued that granting immunity now could set a precedent that would let extremists later expose the identities of people appointed or promoted by David Zini.

He also warned that political opponents could use similar logic against Mossad agents, saying that some would claim they were acting against the interests of the Arab nation and would therefore try to reveal their identities. Edelstein described such arguments as ideological and said there are real consequences to every decision.

The lawmaker said Israelis do not know the names or work of intelligence personnel, and that this secrecy is for the best. Still, he said, “we owe them a great debt,” and urged lawmakers to think carefully before the vote.