MK Tally Gottlieb Slams Channel 12 Analyst Amit Segal Over Immunity Controversy

Member of Knesset Tally Gottlieb launched a sharp attack on senior political commentator Amit Segal of Channel 12 News on Tuesday evening. The confrontation stems from a report suggesting Gottlieb's parliamentary immunity could prevent her from serving as a minister in the next government. In a post on her X account, Gottlieb accused Segal, whom she labeled an "all-knowing and obsessive journalist," of fabricating a legal fiction. She claimed Segal understood the public's support for Otzma Yehudit, which would bolster her candidacy for a ministerial role, and therefore invented this legal narrative.

Gottlieb asserted her own legal interpretation, stating that neither the immunity law nor existing legal precedents preclude her from serving as a minister. The legal issue surrounding Gottlieb originated when she revealed the identity of a Shin Bet agent. Defense Minister Israel Katz subsequently issued a secrecy certificate concerning information sources, and in June, the Knesset approved Gottlieb's request for immunity from criminal prosecution.

The public dispute occurs amidst demands by Otzma Yehudit chairman Itamar Ben-Gvir regarding government portfolio allocations. Ben-Gvir reportedly seeks the Defense Ministry for himself, intends for Gottlieb to be the Justice Minister, and wants Yitzhak Wasserlauf to continue as Minister of National Security.

Gottlieb concluded her post by linking the controversy over her potential appointment to the upcoming elections, urging voters to support Otzma Yehudit. She stated that 15 mandates for the party would enable Ben-Gvir to secure the Defense Ministry and herself the Justice Ministry.