Israel police investigations chief restricts Shin Bet cooperation in election probe

Israel Police Investigations Chief Boaz Blet ordered officers not to share information with the Shin Bet regarding the 2026 elections investigation without his approval, amid a dispute over the probe's handling.

Police Investigations Chief, Commissioner Boaz Balt, instructed officers not to transfer information to the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) in the election case without his approval. In a message he wrote to officers, Balt clarified that any request for assistance from the Shin Bet related to the elections – including assistance with removing cameras, investigations, or any other action – should be directed to him and will not be answered until approval from the Investigations Division is received. The police are supposed to serve as the operational arm of the Shin Bet in several investigative actions in the case, and Balt's instruction effectively constitutes a request not to assist the Shin Bet without his approval.