Shin Bet Chief Clashes With Elections Committee Chair Over Investigation
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
Shin Bet Director David Zini engaged in a tense discussion with Elections Committee Chairman Justice Noam Sohlberg regarding the investigation into the 26th Knesset elections. Zini reportedly complained that the legal counsel to the government was obstructing investigations, contradicting Sohlberg's assessment that cooperation was good. Sohlberg also criticized leaks of classified information from the probe, vowing to continue oversight and remove barriers.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Shin Bet Director David Zini argued with Elections Committee Chair Justice Noam Sohlberg over an election probe.
- Zini claimed the legal counsel to the government was blocking Shin Bet investigations.
- Sohlberg stated he found no refusal of Shin Bet requests by the legal counsel.
- Sohlberg's assessment was based on meetings with the joint investigation team.
- The Elections Committee chair also condemned leaks of classified investigation materials.
- Sohlberg vowed to continue monitoring the probe and remove any identified obstacles.
A tense conversation took place between Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) Director David Zini and Supreme Court Justice Noam Sohlberg, who chairs the Central Elections Committee. The dispute arose following Sohlberg's update on the investigation into suspicions concerning the 26th Knesset elections. The core of the disagreement centered on whether the legal counsel to the government was hindering the Shin Bet's investigative actions.
Sohlberg had informed committee members that while the investigation is ongoing, the collected information has not yet solidified into concrete evidence. Crucially, he stated he found no evidence that the legal counsel had refused the Shin Bet's investigative requests. This conclusion was based on a meeting with the joint investigation team, including representatives from the Shin Bet, police, and state prosecution, where he was assured of full cooperation and approval of Shin Bet requests.
However, according to reports, Zini was displeased with Sohlberg's assessment. Sources within the Shin Bet indicated that Zini, who has previously complained about the legal counsel impeding his work, did not appreciate Sohlberg's endorsement. In their conversation, Zini reportedly reiterated his claims that the legal counsel was blocking investigations. Sohlberg, in turn, stated that his written assessment reflected the explicit position of the Shin Bet professionals he met with.
Sohlberg's letter also addressed the issue of classified information leaks from the investigation. He noted that a legal opinion related to the probe was leaked to the media before it even reached the Elections Committee, despite its sensitive security classification. Sohlberg condemned these leaks as repeatedly harming the investigation, particularly its security aspects, calling such disclosures a "terrible affliction."
Sohlberg affirmed his intention to continue monitoring the investigation and to work towards removing any obstacles, promising to publicly share findings that do not compromise the investigation or national security.