Election Committee Head Approves Shin Bet's Use of Special Surveillance Powers
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
Election Committee Chairman Noam Sohlberg approved the Shin Bet's use of special surveillance powers to investigate alleged foreign election interference, despite Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara's objections. Shin Bet head David Zini argued the matter constituted a security offense due to foreign state involvement. The Shin Bet has already employed these measures, with both the Attorney General's office and the Shin Bet asserting their actions are lawful.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Election Committee Chairman Noam Sohlberg authorized special Shin Bet surveillance powers for election interference probe.
- Shin Bet head David Zini argued the case involves foreign states and should be a security offense.
- Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara opposed the request, citing illegality and concerns over Israeli citizens' privacy.
- The Shin Bet has already implemented the special surveillance measures.
- Both the Attorney General and Shin Bet claim their actions are lawful.
The Chairman of the Election Committee, Judge Noam Sohlberg, has authorized the Shin Bet, led by David Zini, to employ exceptional technological and surveillance capabilities in an investigation into suspected foreign interference in elections. Zini had insisted to Sohlberg that these suspicions should be classified as security offenses, not criminal ones, due to the involvement of foreign states.
The approval was granted despite opposition from Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, who reportedly told Zini that his request was illegal and lacked supporting evidence. She expressed concern about using such technologies on Israeli citizens, even if they received money, emphasizing the need for caution.
Sohlberg made the decision based on materials presented by Zini. The Shin Bet has already implemented these special measures, but has declined to specify against whom they were used or how. The Attorney General's office stated that investigative actions are proceeding lawfully and that claims of obstruction are false. The Shin Bet maintained that all its operations comply with the law and refused to disclose classified methods.
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