JERUSALEM — The Knesset House Committee convened to debate granting immunity from criminal prosecution to Likud MK Tally Gotliv. Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara filed an indictment against Gotliv in May for allegedly disclosing classified information in violation of the Shin Bet law.
Baharav-Miara attended the committee meeting and presented arguments against granting immunity. She sent a letter to committee members requesting that immunity be denied, stating the indictment reflected professional and objective discretion. Gotliv delivered remarks criticizing Baharav-Miara during the hearing and requested her removal from the attorney-general position. Gotliv previously characterized the legal proceedings as a political dispute regarding her legislative duties.
The indictment against Gotliv stems from a January 24, 2024, social media post. The post contained a screenshot alleging ties between protest leader Shikma Bressler's partner and then-Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. The indictment identifies Bressler's partner as an employee of the Shin Bet. Prosecutors indicated the post received over 400,000 views, 1,000 comments, 1,000 likes, and 500 shares. The Mossad previously denied the allegations in the post, stating its chief never met or communicated with Bressler. The indictment alleges Gotliv published the information knowingly, deliberately, continuously, demonstratively, and repeatedly. Prosecutors also stated Gotliv left the post online, repeatedly reaffirmed the claims, and refused to retract or apologize. Defense Minister Israel Katz signed a procedural confidentiality certificate in May prior to the indictment. The government previously voted to dismiss Baharav-Miara, but the Supreme Court invalidated the dismissal.
Gotliv screened a video and presented theories to the panel alleging treason occurred during the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks. "It is a blessed day to have the ability to request immunity in the Knesset." Gotliv said. Yesh Atid MK Vladimir Beliak characterized the event as "An insane event is currently taking place in the Knesset House Committee, in which a deranged MK is spreading wild conspiracy theories and accusing the IDF and the Shin Bet of treason."
The committee meeting proceeded during an active conflict involving Iranian missiles, which resulted in nationwide school closures. Coalition whip Ofir Katz chaired the committee discussion in a room designated as a protective shelter. Opposition lawmakers criticized the committee for addressing the immunity case during an active security threat. Committee rules prohibited interruptions during the hearing, with violations resulting in removal. A second committee meeting on the immunity request was scheduled for the following day. MK voting eligibility required attending at least half the duration of all scheduled meetings on the immunity request.