Communications Between Shin Bet and Journalist Ben Caspit Revealed in Defamation Lawsuit

In a defamation lawsuit filed by Elisha Yard against journalist Ben Caspit, court documents have revealed communications between Caspit and the Shin Bet spokesperson. The organization Honenu, representing Yard, alleges that these exchanges involved the transfer of confidential information from the criminal registry. This information reportedly included details about Yard's arrests, including the number and dates, as well as clarifications distinguishing administrative bans from administrative detentions.

Screenshots submitted by Caspit as part of his defense show that after Caspit requested confirmation that the data pertained to Elisha Yard, the Shin Bet spokesperson confirmed and provided additional details about administrative ban orders. Honenu claims that if the information was indeed taken from the criminal registry, it is protected under the Criminal Information Law and the Shin Bet regulations, which restrict access to authorized entities only. Journalists are not authorized to receive such information, raising legal concerns about the transfer.

Attorney Menashe Yado from Honenu stated that according to Caspit's admission, the Shin Bet illegally provided him with Yard's criminal registry information, which Caspit then used to publicly criticize Yard's appointment as spokesperson for Knesset member Limor Son Har-Melech. Yado further questioned whether there is a coordinated effort between Shin Bet and Caspit for political and parliamentary purposes, suggesting that Shin Bet may be committing criminal offenses in this context.