Police Investigations Chief Criticizes Prosecution, Police Internal Affairs

Dramatic recordings have revealed sharp and unusual criticism from within the Police's senior command directed at the law enforcement system. Boaz Balt, head of the Investigations and Intelligence Department, attacked the State Prosecution and the Police Internal Affairs Department (MAHASH), alleging serious issues with case management, pressure tactics, and the handling of crime organizations.

Balt's central accusation is that the State Prosecution holds open cases for extended periods without advancing them, intending to use them as leverage against those involved. "There are quite a few incidents that any sensible person understands are 'drawer cases,'" Balt stated in the recording. He elaborated that cases are "put in a drawer, nothing is done with them for a year, then after a year they are taken out and an investigation supplement is done."

His criticism extended to MAHASH, which he accused of using similar tactics against police officers. Balt claimed that the ability to summon an officer for investigation serves as a deterrent against those who deviate from expectations. "They use the same tools against police officers through MAHASH," he said, adding, "Did you deviate in something? All that's needed is to come and summon you now to the chair of thoughts."

Furthermore, Balt pointed fingers at the State Prosecution regarding its handling of crime in the Arab sector. He argued that cases involving serious offenses remain inadequately addressed while the system focuses primarily on public corruption. "Today, the State Prosecution in Israel is not managed," Balt asserted. "It is managed solely in one niche called public corruption, and all other matters are as if they do not concern them."

Balt also criticized the police's own conduct, warning of a phenomenon where officers and commanders avoid contact with senior criminals for fear of entanglement or harm. He cited the decline in encounters with the Abu Latif crime family as an example, noting that while investigations used to occur about twenty times a year, the frequency has significantly decreased, to the point where he claims not even one investigation occurs annually. "Ask yourself why no one wants to get involved with him?" he asked, explaining that some officers prefer to avoid encounters that could put them at a disadvantage, while others ignore incidents they witness.

These revelations, made by a senior figure in the police, are considered highly unusual and highlight deep disputes within the law enforcement system. They raise questions about inter-agency cooperation and the police's effectiveness in confronting crime organizations.