Full coverage· Security· Updated 3 Nov, 22:45

Israel's Attorney General Criticizes Shin Bet Chief Over Politician Investigations

Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara issued a sharp, rare public rebuke of Shin Bet chief David Zini on Tuesday, asserting that investigations into citizens or elected officials cannot proceed without an evidentiary basis. The statement followed reports that Zini sought to classify probes into foreign election influence as security offenses and requested to question senior Arab party leaders.

3 newsrooms · 2 languages · since 3 Nov, 22:32

Plus

What happened

01Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara criticized Shin Bet chief David Zini, stating that investigations of public officials require evidence rather than mere suspicion.
02The Attorney General accused the Shin Bet of withholding investigation materials for two days from a special investigative team, delaying the inquiry.
03Shin Bet chief David Zini reportedly sought to classify foreign election influence probes as security offenses and question Arab political leaders.
04The targeted Arab politicians reportedly include Mansour Abbas, Sami Abu Shehadeh, and Ahmad Tibi, following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's calls for an investigation.
05Mansour Abbas declared his readiness for any investigation under legal guidance and demanded respect for the decisions of Arab voters.
06Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Gadi Eisenkot warned Shin Bet chief David Zini against allowing political considerations to influence the agency's investigations.

Baharav-Miara stated that while anyone who needs to be investigated will be, investigations cannot be initiated based on unsubstantiated suspicions. She also accused the Shin Bet of withholding investigation materials for two days from a special investigative team, which was formed at the recommendation of Acting Chief Justice Noam Sohlberg to work alongside the police and prosecution, thereby delaying the case.

The controversy emerged after recent elections saw increased representation and higher participation in Arab communities, prompting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to call for an investigation into alleged foreign interference. Zini reportedly requested to question Arab politicians, including Mansour Abbas, Sami Abu Shehadeh, and Ahmad Tibi. Abbas defended himself and his voters, stating his readiness for any investigation conducted under proper legal guidance.

In response to the reports, Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Gadi Eisenkot sent a message to Zini, warning the Shin Bet chief against using his authority for political considerations in investigations.

Summarized by baba from the reports of 3 newsrooms. Updated 02:51

Latest report: Kikar HaShabbat. Read Kikar HaShabbat’s original