Shin Bet Chief Clashes With Attorney General Over Probing Arab Lawmakers

Shin Bet Chief David Zini has requested the Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara's approval to launch a cautioned investigation into four senior Arab politicians. The investigation has not yet commenced as the Shin Bet has not transferred the relevant materials to the police.

According to reports, Zini seeks to investigate Ahmad Tibi, chairman of Ta'al; Mansour Abbas, chairman of Ra'am; Sami Abu Shehadeh, chairman of Balad, who was disqualified from running in elections; and an additional senior Knesset member whose name is being withheld. While there is broad agreement on significant evidence against the fourth individual, the Attorney General has requested further evidence before approving investigations into the other three.

Despite an agreement two days prior to establish a joint investigation team between the Shin Bet and the Israel Police, the intelligence agency has yet to hand over the case files. This delay is preventing the investigation from proceeding, even after the Shin Bet chief presented his demand.

During discussions, Zini reportedly struggled to recall the name of Mansour Abbas, referring to him as "the Knesset member, what's his name, Mansour Abbas." Questions remain regarding the transfer of investigation materials and the necessary approvals for a cautioned inquiry into the politicians.