Israel's Attorney General Criticizes Shin Bet Chief Over Politician Investigations

Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara issued a rare and sharp statement Tuesday, responding to reports that Shin Bet chief David Zini had requested to investigate senior Arab politicians. The Attorney General clarified that investigations would not be approved without sufficient evidence, while also accusing the Shin Bet of delaying the investigation process itself.

"In an exceptional manner, and in light of erroneous publications, the Attorney General wishes to clarify that in a state of law, citizens or public representatives cannot be investigated without evidence justifying it," her office stated. Baharav-Miara emphasized that while she does not intend to prevent investigations based on evidence, she will not authorize probes lacking a proper evidentiary basis.

In a critical turn, the Attorney General also accused the Shin Bet of hindering the investigation into alleged foreign influence in elections. "In addition to this, the Shin Bet has not transferred the investigation materials it has collected for two days to the special investigation team established on the recommendation of Judge Solberg, in cooperation with the police and under the accompaniment of the State Prosecutor's Office, and thus the handling of the matter is effectively delayed."

The special investigation team was formed based on Judge Solberg's recommendation, involving the Shin Bet, police, and the State Prosecutor's Office. However, according to the Attorney General, the materials gathered by the Shin Bet have not yet been handed over to the team, despite two days passing.

The statement comes after reports that Zini requested to question four senior Arab politicians, including Ahmed Tibi, Mansour Abbas, and Sami Abu Shehadeh, along with another unnamed Knesset member, under caution. The Attorney General reiterated that any decision to open an investigation will be based solely on the evidence presented.