Prosecution's correspondence reveals: how the investigation against Ben Ari was timed

Internal prosecution correspondence revealed how the investigation against former MK Michael Ben Ari was accelerated ahead of the elections for the 21st Knesset, a move that led to his disqualification. Judge Ron Salkin criticized the prosecution, and the correspondence shows a direct link between the acceleration of the investigation and political motives.

Exclusive: Internal and confidential correspondence of the prosecution is revealed for the first time, showing how the investigation against former MK Michael Ben Ari was timed and expedited ahead of the elections for the 21st Knesset – a move that led to the disqualification of his candidacy. This comes after Judge Ron Salkin already sharply criticized the prosecution, ruling that it urged the police to gather materials against Ben Ari and even dictated the investigation questions to the investigators. Last month, Judge Salkin sharply criticized the move, ruling that the prosecution urged the police to gather materials against him and even dictated the investigation questions. The prosecution opposed the transfer of the correspondence, but following the judge's decision, they are now revealed. In a message written by attorney Shlomi Abramzon from the prosecution to the police investigations division, it was written: "It seems that Ben Ari intends to run in the upcoming elections. It can be assumed that in light of the elections, the frequency and intensity of the suspected publications will increase. Therefore, there is great importance in reaching a decision regarding him as quickly as possible." The correspondence shows that the acceleration of the investigation was directly related to the elections and political motives to disqualify his candidacy. Ben Ari responded to the exposure: "It turns out that on the eve of the elections for the 21st Knesset, the prosecution is urging the police to search for materials against me. This is the motive – to disqualify me in the elections." As a reminder, Dr. Michael Ben Ari was disqualified in a precedent-setting manner by the High Court of Justice from running in the elections in 2019 due to allegations of racism. The prolonged police investigation lasted about six years, and in July 2024 it matured into a criminal indictment filed against him at the Kfar Saba Magistrate's Court. In contrast, Ben Ari and his supporters reject the accusations and claim political persecution and undue delay, emphasizing, especially after the events of October 7, that his words were legitimate security warnings and not racism.