The Attorney General on the Commissioner’s Claim That She is Preventing the Use of Spyware: The Government Can Promote Legislation Immediately
The Israeli Attorney General, Gali Baharav-Miara, responded to accusations from Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, stating that the government has the ability to legislate on the use of advanced technological means by law enforcement without delay.
In a recent address, Israel's Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara addressed the claims made by Police Commissioner Dany Levy and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir that she was hindering the police's access to spyware. Baharav-Miara clarified that if the government is willing, it can expedite the necessary legislation to allow the police to utilize advanced technological means for law enforcement purposes. She indicated that a governmental bill to this end has been pending for some time and could be advanced swiftly if the government chooses to prioritize it.
Baharav-Miara emphasized the importance of providing the Israeli police with modern technological tools to enhance their enforcement capabilities, particularly in addressing violence within Arab communities, an area that has drawn recent scrutiny. She appealed directly to Justice Minister Yariv Levin and Ben Gvir to push forward with the recommended legislative changes. Her comments suggest that existing delays are rendering current technological measures ineffective, thereby reinforcing the need for urgent action from the government.
The backdrop to this dialogue highlights the ongoing debate regarding law enforcement resources and strategies in Israel, particularly with respect to rising violence in Arab society. The call for advanced technological enforcement tools raises essential questions about the balance between civil liberties and the state's obligation to ensure public safety, making it a significant topic in Israel's legislative agenda.