Israeli lawmakers have passed legislation that would effectively dismantle the state prosecutor’s office, raising concerns among legal experts that the country’s domestic security agency, the Shin Bet, would operate with minimal oversight. Critics argue the changes could enable Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to exploit the security service for political purposes, fundamentally altering the balance of institutional checks and balances that have long characterised Israeli governance. The state prosecutor’s office has historically served as a crucial supervisory body, reviewing sensitive Shin Bet operations and ensuring compliance with legal standards. Recent conduct by Shin Bet chief David Zini has already sparked controversy, with observers suggesting his actions may foreshadow more aggressive use of security powers if institutional safeguards are removed. Legal analysts warn that removing this layer of accountability could represent a significant shift in Israel’s democratic framework, potentially allowing security services to operate without the judicial scrutiny that has previously constrained their authority. The legislation has intensified an ongoing debate about the proper balance between national security needs and democratic oversight in Israeli law enforcement and intelligence operations.

Source: Ynet — Original article in Hebrew.