In an exclusive interview with Israel News Channel, MK Tali Gottlieb (Likud) accused Defense Minister Israel Katz of prioritizing the removal of her parliamentary immunity over investigating the leak of the Iran attack date to Channel 12 on the eve of the operation. She also questioned his failure to investigate journalist Ronen Bergman's leaks.
MK Tali Gottlieb (Likud) escalated her public clash with Defense Minister Israel Katz on Tuesday, accusing him in an exclusive interview with Israel News Channel of prioritizing the removal of her parliamentary immunity over investigating serious security leaks. Gottlieb specifically cited the leak of the timing of the Iran strike to Channel 12 on the eve of the operation, as well as leaks attributed to journalist Ronen Bergman.
The statement is the latest salvo in a prolonged political battle over Gottlieb's immunity. As The Zioneer has extensively reported, the controversy began when Gottlieb allegedly exposed the identity of a senior Shin Bet officer, leading the security agency to warn that she endangered the officer's life. The Knesset has been debating her request for immunity, with the Attorney General arguing that granting it would endanger state security. Former IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot called such immunity 'a spit in the face of security personnel.'
The broader context includes ongoing tensions between coalition lawmakers and the security establishment, with Gottlieb previously warning Shin Bet chief David Zini against a 'coup.' The Defense Minister's role in the immunity saga has been complex: Katz previously voted in favor of Gottlieb's immunity despite the Shin Bet warning, but now appears to have signed the removal of the confidentiality certificate, which Gottlieb sees as a reversal.
The question of the Iran strike leak remains a separate yet intertwined issue, with Gottlieb accusing Katz of a double standard. The Defense Minister's office has not yet responded to the latest allegations.
3 developments
- DevelopingDefense Minister Katz votes for MK Gotliv's immunity, despite Shin Bet chief's warning
- StrongShin Bet: MK Tali Gottlieb Endangered Senior Security Service Member and Family
- DevelopingMK Katy Shitrit attacks AG Baharav-Miara over immunity hearing for MK Tally Gotliv
- DevelopingMK Tally Gotliv hits back at reports of Netanyahu wanting to distance her from Likud: 'I am loyal to the party and the PM'
Source and signal
- Internal intake