Knesset Committee Approves Immunity Request for MK Tally Gotliv

After three tense days of debate, the Knesset House Committee on Monday approved MK Tally Gotliv’s request for immunity from criminal prosecution. The vote passed 11 to 3, and the matter now goes to the full Knesset for final approval.

The request followed Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara’s notice that she intended to file an indictment against Gotliv over publishing classified information linked to the Shin Bet. Law-enforcement sources said the publication involved sensitive details about a security figure and occurred during a period of heightened security sensitivity.

Supporters of immunity argued in the committee that Gotliv acted as part of her public role and warned of selective enforcement and improper considerations behind the prosecution. Opponents said this was a clear criminal offense that did not justify immunity and stressed the need to preserve equality before the law.

Baharav-Miara strongly opposed the move, saying there was no basis for granting immunity in this case. She warned that approving the request could harm the public interest and damage trust in the justice system. During the debate, lawmakers on both sides discussed the balance between elected officials’ freedom to act and the limits of criminal law, with some emphasizing protection for Knesset work and others warning against creating a precedent of criminal exemption. After the vote, Gotliv said the process was an attempt to silence public criticism and insisted she had acted out of national responsibility and within her role. The full Knesset will now decide whether the immunity takes effect.