developing· Security· Updated 20:58

Top Police Investigator Criticizes Justice System in Leaked Recordings

In leaked audio recordings revealed on Sunday, November 8, 2026, the head of the Israel Police Investigations and Intelligence Directorate, Commander Boaz Balt, leveled sharp criticism against the State Prosecutor's Office and the Police Internal Investigations Department, known as Mahash.

3 newsrooms · 1 language · since 20:32

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What happened

01Police Commander Boaz Balt accused the State Prosecutor's Office of holding open criminal cases as leverage to pressure individuals.
02Balt claimed that Mahash uses the threat of summoning police officers for investigation as a tool to deter and control them.
03The head of investigations criticized the prosecution for prioritizing public corruption cases over combating crime in the Arab community.
04Balt asserted that police officers have become afraid of confronting senior criminals and crime families in the Arab community.
05The leaked recordings of the senior police commander were broadcast by Channel 12 News on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
06Balt's office responded to the leaks by stating his remarks were taken out of context and that inter-organizational criticism is legitimate.

Commander Balt accused the State Prosecutor's Office of holding open criminal cases for extended periods without advancing them, using them as "drawer cases" and leverage to pressure individuals. He alleged that Mahash employs similar tactics against police officers, using the threat of summoning them for investigation as a deterrent to keep them in line.

Balt also criticized the prosecution's focus on public corruption over crime in the Arab community, and asserted that police officers now fear confronting senior criminals and crime families. Following the release of the recordings, Balt's office stated that his remarks were taken out of context and that constructive, inter-organizational criticism is legitimate.

Summarized by baba from the reports of 3 newsrooms. Updated 21:26

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