Judicial overhaul: Police Internal Investigations bill advances to second and third readings

The Knesset began debating this evening, Wednesday, the bill by MK Moshe Saada of Likud that will go to a vote in its second and third readings. The purpose of the bill is to remove the Police Internal Investigations Department, known as Makhash, from the State Attorney’s Office and place it under the Justice Minister.

Under the proposal, Makhash would be detached from the State Attorney’s Office and transferred to the Justice Ministry. In addition, the head of the unit would be appointed by the Justice Minister, making the appointment political.

During the debate, MK Saada said, "Today we are carrying out a reform. I promised to fix it, and I delivered. There will no longer be criminals serving law enforcement or people above the law. Everyone will be equal before the law."

Saada later attacked senior officials in the justice system, saying, "Makhash as it exists today is a militia of Gali (Baharav-Miara, the attorney general). This system persecutes and tramples, and everything is allowed. All those criminals, Gali, Eisman, Gali’s deputy, Gil Limon, all of them will be investigated by the new Makhash."

Saada added, "What is most important in this law is that public trust in the justice system will be restored. This is a day of good news for the people of Israel."

On the other hand, MK Yoav Segalovich of Yesh Atid said during the debate, "A stupid, vengeful law, and there is nothing in it except a desire to stick a finger in the eye."