The Knesset’s Constitution Committee discussed preventing leaks in various ongoing investigations, on Sunday. Additional topics discussed included the issue of harm to freedom of the press and the right to consult an attorney.
Participants in the discussion included Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara, State Attorney Amit Aisman, and Police Commissioner Boaz Balat.
היועמ"שית בכנסת: אין אכיפה בררנית של עיתונאים בישראלגלי בהרב מיארה: "מערכת אכיפת החוק פועלת באופן עקבי, מקצועי, ענייני, על פי אמות מידה קבועות שמיושמות בכל מקרה לפי נסיבותיו" pic.twitter.com/mr6q3Aycb1
— ערוץ כנסת (@KnessetT) April 27, 2025
At the beginning of the conversation, Baharav-Miara stated, “There is no selective enforcement in investigations of offenses related to the disclosure of information by public employees,” to which Committee Chair Simcha Rothman objected.
Throughout the session, numerous MKs were expelled from the discussions for outbursts and for calling Rothman a “bully.”
The Shin Bet representative was questioned about alleged investigations
Multiple MKs asked the deputy legal adviser of the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) whether chief Ronen Bar had requested an investigation into the infiltration of “Kahanism” into the Israel Police, which was allegedly leaked to journalists by a Shin Bet agent.
“An investigation was conducted, but no information was gathered on any minister,” he said.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, currently in the US, called the Shin Bet “a bunch of liars.”
“Contrary to the denials, the Shin Bet spied on ministers, Knesset members, the police commissioner, the head of the prison service, and – as exposed in recordings – even framed an outstanding police officer who refused to participate in illegal activities,” Ben-Gvir claimed.
When asked what he would do if he discovered a Shin Bet representative had lied to the political echelon, the deputy legal adviser of the Shin Bet responded that he was not aware of anyone from the service lying.
“There are leaks from cabinet meetings and other discussions, but the real question is the potential for damage. There is currently no Shin Bet investigation against the political echelon regarding leaks,” he said.
“An intelligence organization has no right to exist if information leaks from it. Leaks harm the organization’s proper functioning. People become afraid of how to operate when there is a breach. It’s one thing if the head of the service says something in a meeting; it’s another when an internal agent leaks detailed information or documents. Extracting materials from the organization causes real damage.”