Not a Reform, Not a Change - a Takeover: Police Internal Investigations Department Falls into Political Hands

The law changing the status of the Police Internal Investigations Department (Mahash) transfers it from the State Attorney's Office to a body controlled by political appointments, granting a political committee broad powers to determine the fate of criminal investigations. Prof. Suzie Navot warns of dangerous politicization of criminal law and its transformation into a governmental tool.

The law to change the status of Mahash, approved by the Knesset in June 2026, transfers the Police Internal Investigations Department from the State Attorney's Office to a separate body within the Ministry of Justice, controlled by political appointments. Prof. Suzie Navot, an expert in constitutional law, analyzes the dangers: appointment of the department head and supervisor through a political committee, the supervisor's authority to resolve disputes with the Attorney General and determine the fate of cases, and the possibility of thwarting investigations. Navot compares this to populist regimes like Hungary and Turkey, stating it is a dangerous politicization of law enforcement. Petitions have been filed with the High Court of Justice, and the Attorney General is seeking an interim injunction to freeze proceedings.