Israel's Law Enforcement Accused of 'Drawer Method' Tactics
Translated & summarized from Makor Rishon by baba
Boaz Balt, head of Israel's Investigations and Intelligence Department, has alleged that the State Prosecutor's Office and the Police Investigations Department (PID) use a "drawer method" to pressure individuals by keeping investigation files open. The article cites several cases, including those involving a former MK, a police commander, and the Prime Minister's Chief of Staff, as examples of this alleged tactic. Concerns are also raised about the police's own intelligence gathering methods, particularly in relation to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's trial, suggesting a need for broad reform in law enforcement.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Boaz Balt alleges Israeli prosecution and PID use "drawer method" to pressure individuals.
- Investigation files are allegedly kept open to exert leverage on targets.
- Cases involving former MK Aida Touma-Sliman and PM's Chief of Staff Tzachi Braverman are cited.
- Police intelligence gathering methods are also questioned, particularly in Netanyahu's trial.
- The article calls for comprehensive reform of Israel's law enforcement system.
Recordings by Boaz Balt, head of the Investigations and Intelligence Department, reveal alleged misconduct within the State Prosecutor's Office and the Police Investigations Department (PID). Balt claims these bodies employ a "drawer method," holding investigation files open to exert pressure on individuals. He asserts this tactic is also used by the PID against police officers.
Balt did not name specific individuals, but the article cites several cases where investigations have allegedly been prolonged for leverage. These include a traffic offense by former Knesset member Aida Touma-Sliman, an investigation into Avishai Moalem, commander of the Judea and Samaria District, and a case against Tzachi Braverman, the Prime Minister's Chief of Staff, concerning alleged protocol forgery.
Additionally, the article mentions an investigation into attorney Roi Kahalon, which allegedly thwarted his appointment as Civil Service Commissioner, and a probe into Knesset member Gilad Kariv related to leaks from the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.
The report suggests that the police themselves, Balt's own organization, have engaged in questionable intelligence gathering and manipulative use of information, particularly in the context of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's trial. Senior police investigators have reportedly testified about how intelligence was gathered for the "Case of the Thousands" investigation, with methods allegedly extending beyond legitimate means and sometimes based on mere suspicion rather than significant evidence.
The article concludes that Israel's law enforcement system requires comprehensive reform, but questions whether the political will and resources will be allocated for such changes following the recent elections.
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