Police Restrict Shin Bet Access in Election Bribery Probe Amid Escalating Tensions

The head of the Israel Police's Investigations Department, Boaz Balt, has ordered officers not to share information with the Shin Bet regarding the election bribery investigation without his explicit approval. This directive marks a further escalation in tensions between the two security agencies over the probe.

Balt communicated the order in a letter to his staff, stating that any requests for assistance from the Shin Bet concerning the election case, such as help with camera removals or investigations, must be directed to him first. He emphasized that no action should be taken without his department's authorization.

The directive comes shortly after a joint investigation team, comprising members from both the Shin Bet and the police, held its first meeting. This team was established as a compromise between Shin Bet head David Zini and Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, following a recent clash between them.

During their initial meeting, the joint team discussed technical aspects of the investigation, including work methods, division of authority, and cooperation strategies. Future sessions are expected to focus on analyzing intelligence, mapping investigative leads, and prioritizing directions.

The Shin Bet had initially sought broader investigative powers, including interrogations, arrests, and wiretaps, but the Attorney General conditioned these actions on the formation of a joint team with the police. Despite the establishment of this team, the police's new directive indicates ongoing friction.

While three potential avenues for the transfer of funds are being examined, and it is widely agreed that the election results were not affected, Shin Bet chief Zini has reportedly compared the alleged foreign interference in the elections to the failures leading up to the October 7th attacks, calling it a "strategic attack" on the nation.