Israeli Attorney General Urges Supreme Court to Halt Controversial Police Oversight Law

Israeli Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara has called on the Supreme Court to issue an interim injunction to stop the implementation of the new Police Investigations Department (Mahash) law. In her statement on July 27, 2026, she warned that the law aims to intimidate police officers, investigators, prosecutors, and journalists, undermining their ability to operate independently and effectively.

Baharav-Miara argued that the law threatens the independence of law enforcement agencies and could severely damage the fight against corruption and press freedom in Israel. She emphasized that the law’s provisions, including the appointment of its head and director, are already being put into motion, with a political committee appointed and managerial appointments underway.

The Attorney General stressed that the negative effects of the law extend beyond law enforcement, potentially impacting public protests, government corruption investigations, sports arenas, and the free press. She urged the court to prevent further steps in implementing the law to avoid serious harm to the justice system and to stop the intimidation of various officials and civilians, including journalists.

The call to halt the law comes amid growing controversy over its perceived political motivations and its potential to disrupt existing legal and investigative frameworks. The Supreme Court’s response to this request is awaited.