Justice Minister Yariv Levin Pushes Forward with Establishment of Government Inspection Committee for Pegasus Spying Case
Despite objections from the government’s legal adviser, Gali Beharev Miara, Justice Minister Yariv Levin is set to present a decision on the establishment of a government inspection committee for the Pegasus spying case at an upcoming cabinet meeting. The committee aims to address concerns regarding the monitoring and collection of information on citizens and office holders carried out by enforcement agents using cybernetic tools.
The decision to bring the inspection committee for government approval comes just a day after a confrontation between Levin and Beharev Miara. The legal adviser sent a letter stating that the government is prohibited from authorizing the committee to deal with ongoing proceedings, police investigations, or court cases, as it could result in a conflict of interest. However, Levin rejected this opinion and affirmed his intention to proceed with the establishment of the review committee.
The committee is being formed in response to reports of the potential illegal and improper use of spying techniques. According to Minister Levin, the committee, which is expected to be chaired by retired judge Moshe Drori, will investigate the conduct of the police, prosecutor’s office, and their supervisory systems regarding procurement operations, surveillance, and data collection using cybernetic tools. The aim is to establish comprehensive regulations and a normative infrastructure for the use of advanced technological tools to strengthen public trust, protect the right to privacy, and provide law enforcement agencies with effective tools to combat crime and corruption.
The committee will have the power to determine findings and decisions, with its conclusions being submitted to the Minister of Justice within six months of its formation. Minister Levin is urging the government to grant the committee investigative powers according to relevant sections of the Law on Commissions of Inquiry.
This move highlights the government’s commitment to addressing concerns surrounding the Pegasus spying case and ensuring accountability and transparency in the use of surveillance technologies.