Politics11:50 · 4m ago

Former Israeli Police Investigator Moshe Saada Reveals Clashes with Top Officials and Predicts Netanyahu Conviction

MaarivCenter
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
The story · English

Moshe Saada, a former senior investigator in Israel's Police Investigations Department (Mahash), detailed his confrontations with former Police Commissioner Roni Alsheich, Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit, and State Attorney Shai Nitzan in a revealing podcast interview with Miki Levin and Oren Hazan on August 12, 2026. Saada recounted how his efforts to investigate sensitive cases, including those involving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, were obstructed by senior officials who allegedly pressured him to halt probes into Netanyahu-related files.

Saada described Alsheich as initially a promising appointee but later accused him of interfering with investigations, including a case where police officers shot at a suspect, which Alsheich prematurely labeled a terror attack. Saada also shared an incident where Alsheich threatened a terminally ill colleague, Uriel Carmel, who was acting head of Mahash, during a hospital visit. Following these events, Saada said he filed complaints against Alsheich and eventually approached Mandelblit, whom he trusted, but was met with hostility and intimidation from Alsheich himself.

The interview covered Saada's role in exposing corruption within the police and prosecution, including a high-profile case against lawyer Ronal Fisher and allegations of misconduct involving senior prosecutors. Saada claimed that despite evidence, the system protected its own, with investigations into leaks and misconduct being superficial or blocked. He also criticized the judiciary and prosecution for delays and alleged attempts to close cases prematurely.

Regarding Netanyahu's ongoing legal battles, Saada expressed certainty that the prime minister will be convicted, stating that the prosecution, judiciary, and police leadership are united in their efforts. He dismissed claims that he acted out of political motives, emphasizing his commitment to truth and justice. Saada also discussed his political career in the Likud party, acknowledging internal disagreements and skepticism about upcoming primaries.

Finally, Saada advocated for reforming Mahash's organizational structure to ensure its independence from political and prosecutorial influence. He proposed appointing its head through a professional selection committee to safeguard impartiality, arguing that previous direct oversight by the Attorney General and State Attorney compromised investigations into high-level officials.

Throughout the interview, Saada highlighted systemic challenges within Israel's law enforcement and judicial systems, underscoring his personal struggles and the broader implications for governance and rule of law in Israel.

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