Government Legal Advisor Urges Supreme Court to Suspend Police Investigations Reform Law

On Monday, the Israeli Attorney General, Gali Baharav-Miara, called on the Supreme Court to issue an interim injunction against the recently passed Police Investigations Department (Mahash) reform law. In her response to petitions challenging the law, she warned that the new legislation would politicize police investigations and prosecutions, creating a chilling effect that would intimidate officers, investigators, prosecutors, and journalists. Baharav-Miara stated that the law undermines the independent functioning of law enforcement and could lead to severe negative consequences affecting public order, protests, governance, sports arenas, and free press.

The law, proposed by Knesset member Moshe Saada and approved last month in its second and third readings by a 43-39 vote, aims to remove Mahash from the Attorney General's Office and establish it as an independent body within the Ministry of Justice. It grants Mahash a separate budget and broad authority to investigate and prosecute police officers for criminal offenses, including minor ones, and extends its jurisdiction to offenses committed by Israel Police volunteers.

The legislation has sparked significant controversy within the coalition, opposition, and legal circles. Recently, coalition member Yoav Rotman expelled Moshe Saada from a discussion on the law, highlighting ongoing tensions. Critics argue the reform threatens the impartiality and effectiveness of police oversight, while supporters claim it will enhance accountability. The Attorney General's intervention signals a major legal challenge ahead as the Supreme Court considers the petitions against the law.