Knesset panel okays bill barring police from recommending charges

A Knesset panel passes an amended version of a controversial bill that would ban police from informing prosecutors whether there were grounds for indictment upon wrapping up their investigations.

The proposed legislation clears its first reading in the Knesset’s Internal Affairs Committee with nine coalition lawmakers in favor, six opposition MKs opposed.

It’s expected to be brought to its first reading later in the afternoon.

The bill would jail investigators who issue recommendations for indictment as well as police officials who leak information from ongoing investigations to the press. An earlier clause, which would have jailed journalists for publishing that information, has been excised.

The bill is opposed by both police and the attorney general and is seen as an attempt by Likud lawmakers to shield Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from the public fallout should police find sufficient evidence to warrant criminal charges by prosecutors.

— Marissa Newman