Israel's Attorney General Blocks Shin Bet from Questioning Arab Lawmakers

A heated verbal dispute has erupted between Shin Bet Director David Zini and Israel's Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara over the Shin Bet's desire to investigate several Arab political figures. Zini reportedly requested authorization to interrogate four politicians, despite what Baharav-Miara deemed insufficient evidence. "Let me question the deputies," Zini urged, but the Attorney General refused, stating, "Without reasonable suspicion, I will not authorize the interrogation of a person as a suspect, let alone a deputy." Zini countered that similar investigations had been approved based on lesser suspicions, insisting, "Let me investigate, and then we will have reasonable suspicions."

Zini cited risks to Israeli democracy and national security for his position, an argument challenged by Boaz Balet, head of the Police Investigations Division, who was also present. Balet warned that the Shin Bet's "inappropriate actions" could actually harm democracy. The Attorney General also emphasized the need to consult with the police before any decision, a point Zini questioned, asking about the police's relevance to a security investigation. Baharav-Miara clarified that electoral corruption involving fuel cards does not constitute a security matter, directly contesting Zini's classification.

These revelations come amid suspicions of foreign interference and irregularities surrounding Israeli legislative elections. Zini specifically wants to question Arab politicians Ahmed Tibi, Mansour Abbas, and Sami Abu Shehadeh, though no concrete evidence has been presented against them. The case of Ayman Odeh is being treated differently, with a written note detailing suspicions against him having been sent to judicial authorities, who acknowledge grounds for his questioning.