Police Investigations Chief Apologizes for Past Remarks on Prosecutors

The head of the Israeli Police's Investigations and Intelligence Department, Commissioner Boaz Balt, has publicly apologized for past remarks he made about the State Prosecutor's Office and the Police Internal Investigations Department (Mahash). The comments, revealed earlier this week by journalist Amit Segal, involved accusations that the prosecution held "drawer files" to pressure civilians and that Mahash used similar tactics against police officers.

Balt stated that his remarks were made two years ago, before he assumed his current role, and that his perspective has since changed. "I admit that things were not clear to me then as they are today," he said, quoting a Hebrew song lyric to illustrate how one's viewpoint can shift with experience and position. He emphasized that the prosecution is a "loyal partner" to the Investigations and Intelligence Department, with whom they share significant trust and a common professional path.

Despite acknowledging past disagreements, Balt described them as "disputes for the sake of heaven" aimed at uncovering truth and serving the public. He asserted that since becoming head of the department, he has witnessed a prosecution office that prioritizes the public interest. Balt also suggested that the recent publication of the recordings was intended to undermine him and derail his work, but declared he remains steadfast and loyal only to the law.