MK Limor Son Har-Melech Demands Investigation Into Shin Bet Leaks to Journalist

Israeli Member of Knesset Limor Son Har-Melech has called on Shin Bet chief David Zini to immediately launch a thorough investigation following revelations of secret communications between Shin Bet spokespersons and journalist Ben Caspit. The demand comes after evidence surfaced during a court proceeding showing that confidential information was leaked to Caspit and that there was an attempt to influence the appointment of Elisha Yard as spokesperson in her parliamentary office.

Son Har-Melech accused Shin Bet spokespersons of unlawfully extracting sensitive data from state databases related to former spokesperson Elisha Yard and passing it directly to Caspit. She stated this information, protected under criminal information confidentiality laws, was used to undermine Yard’s appointment and damage her parliamentary work and the broader national camp.

She emphasized that this goes beyond procedural violations, describing the unauthorized disclosure of confidential criminal information as a criminal offense punishable by imprisonment. Son Har-Melech also condemned the Shin Bet’s involvement in political interference, collaborating with media figures to sabotage public officials’ appointments and meddling in Knesset affairs, calling it a serious threat to Israeli democracy.

In her letter, she outlined three key demands: an immediate, comprehensive investigation of the entire chain of command and those involved; the immediate dismissal of all personnel implicated in the leak and interference; and the transfer of investigation findings to law enforcement authorities for criminal prosecution. She concluded by asserting that no security organization should dictate the composition of her parliamentary office or be used as a political tool.