Police Investigations Chief Accuses Prosecutors of Using Dormant Cases as Leverage

Recordings disclosed on Sunday evening captured Deputy Commissioner Boaz Balat, head of Israel Police's Investigations and Intelligence Division, accusing prosecutors of keeping dormant criminal files to exert pressure later. A response issued on his behalf said his remarks had been taken out of context. The date of the recorded conversation was not specified. Balat described a file lying inactive for a year before being revived for additional investigation. He alleged that the Police Internal Investigations Department, known as Mahash, used similar methods against officers, summoning them for questioning when they stepped out of line. Balat said: "I don't like the police being used as a tool…" He also criticized the State Attorney's Office for concentrating on public-corruption cases while giving insufficient attention to other work, including cases involving crime in Arab society. Balat has headed the police division for approximately two years. The response issued on Balat's behalf defended substantive criticism between institutions as legitimate and constructive, saying it was also expressed in their joint forums. It said the police, prosecution and attorney general's office cooperated closely to enforce the law and protect democracy. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir responded by accusing the prosecution of fabricating cases against right-wing leaders and threatening police and prison personnel. He described the prosecution as a criminal organization and Mahash as serving it.