Knesset grants Gotliv immunity despite warnings over exposing Shin Bet operative

Israel’s Knesset on Wednesday granted MK Tali Gotliv immunity from indictment in a case tied to her disclosure of the name of a Shin Bet operative whose identity is barred from publication. The article says the disclosure put the operative’s life at risk, and that Gotliv justified it by claiming the exposure was meant to reveal alleged Shin Bet treason on the morning of the October 7 massacre, a claim the piece says has no evidence.

The debate was opened by coalition whip and Knesset Committee chair Ofir Katz, who attacked Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara rather than Gotliv. He accused her of working to topple a right-wing government, targeting only right-wing figures, causing street chaos, and disrespecting the Knesset. Gotliv had previously called Baharav-Miara a “crime organization chief” during committee hearings.

The Knesset accepted two legal grounds for immunity, that the indictment was filed in bad faith with discrimination and selective enforcement, and that her conduct was part of her parliamentary duties. The article rejects the second ground as asking whether a lawmaker’s duties can include endangering an operative’s life. It places the case alongside other security-related scandals under the current government, including the submarine affair, “Qatargate,” and the “Bild” affair.

The piece says the coalition’s backing for Gotliv depends on undermining institutions central to Israeli democracy, especially the Shin Bet and the legal system. It argues that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies seek to turn accusers into the accused, and that Gotliv has become a favorite in the Likud base, with some supporters even seeing her as a future justice minister.