Knesset Legal Advisor Urges Supreme Court Not to Freeze Police Investigations Law

Shagit Afik, the Knesset's legal advisor, has requested Israel's Supreme Court to reject a petition seeking to freeze the implementation of the new Police Investigations Department (Mahash) law. The law, which separates Mahash from the Attorney General's Office, is set to take effect in eight months, and Afik emphasized that the interim period will be used solely for preparatory steps such as appointing a selection committee, choosing a director, and approving the budget.

Afik argued that no irreversible harm would occur during this transition phase to justify an interim injunction. She warned that freezing the law now could significantly disrupt the preparations needed for Mahash's new structure, potentially delaying appointments and budget approvals. The petitioners claim potential future damages, but Afik described these as speculative and insufficient grounds to halt a law already passed by the Knesset.

The legal advisor's response focuses on the balance of convenience, urging the court to allow the ongoing organizational work to continue uninterrupted. While no position was taken on the petition's ultimate merits, Afik stressed that the preparatory period is critical to ensure Mahash's smooth launch. The Supreme Court has yet to rule on the petition or the request for an interim injunction.