According to a report by The Times of Israel, the Justice Ministry has announced plans to charge a Shin Bet officer with criminal wrongdoing over suspicions that he leaked sensitive information to Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli and two journalists, the Department for Internal Police Investigations confirmed. The information subsequently appeared in the press.
The officer, whose name is currently under a gag order, was notified on the morning of the announcement that he is facing an indictment. The charge is pending a hearing during which he can present his case.
The accused was serving in the Shin Bet as a reservist at the time of the alleged leaks. He is suspected of passing classified details from a Shin Bet investigation to Minister Chikli, Channel 12 journalist Amit Segal, and Israel Hayom reporter Shirit Avitan Cohen.
The investigation in question centered on concerns that extremist Kahanist ideology was spreading within the police force. Authorities examined whether the ideology was gaining influence under the direction of National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, a former follower of the late rabbi Meir Kahane. Ben Gvir’s government position includes oversight of the police, heightening the significance of the Shin Bet inquiry.
The Department for Internal Police Investigations emphasized that the officer will have the opportunity to contest the indictment during a scheduled hearing. No further details about the timing of the hearing or additional legal proceedings were provided.
The Justice Ministry’s announcement underscores the ongoing scrutiny of leaks involving classified information and the role of Shin Bet personnel in safeguarding sensitive security matters. The alleged leak highlights concerns regarding the handling of information related to investigations into extremist ideologies within state institutions.
At this stage, the officer remains under investigation for the transmission of information to government officials and members of the media. The case has drawn attention due to the involvement of high-profile figures and the political context surrounding the investigation into Kahanist influence.
The Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security service, conducted the probe into the infiltration of extremist ideology within the police. The findings of the investigation reportedly informed the officer’s actions, which are now subject to legal review.
The Ministry of Justice and the Department for Internal Police Investigations will continue to manage the case in accordance with legal procedures. Any further charges or developments will follow the outcome of the hearing and ongoing review of the officer’s conduct. See, More, Here>>>>
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