Israel's Attorney-General Denies Shin Bet Request to Interrogate Arab Lawmakers

Zini sought to investigate four senior Arab political figures, including Ra'am chairman Mansour Abbas, Ta'al chairman Ahmad Tibi, and Balad chairman Sami Abu Shehadeh. While reports indicate significant evidence exists against a fourth unnamed senior Knesset member, Baharav-Miara requested further evidence before approving investigations into the other three. Law enforcement sources accused Zini of acting unilaterally and bypassing senior officials.

Furthermore, the Attorney General revealed that the Shin Bet has withheld collected investigation materials for two days from a special joint investigative team. This team, which includes the police and is accompanied by the State Attorney's Office, was established on the recommendation of Central Elections Committee Chairman Justice Noam Sohlberg. The delay in transferring the files has reportedly stalled the investigation's progress.

The clash has sparked intense political reactions. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir demanded the Attorney General's removal, accusing the lawmakers of election theft, while Likud accused her of obstructing the Shin Bet's work. Conversely, opposition leader Yair Golan warned that the Shin Bet was being used as a political tool, and Mansour Abbas stated his readiness for any legal investigation while defending the Arab public against attempts to tarnish its reputation.