A day after the release of a controversial recording aired by Kan News—in which the head of the ISA (Shin Bet)’s Jewish Counterterrorism Division is heard describing arrest procedures without evidence—the Shin Bet announced today (Sunday) that the senior official has suspended himself from his position until a thorough internal investigation is completed.
In a personal statement, the official wrote:
“The division and I act solely in accordance with the law and with a clear set of values… I misspoke in a way that does not reflect the values of the service or my own. Therefore, out of a sense of duty and personal responsibility, I am suspending myself from my position until the completion of a full review.”
The move follows the release of a recording in which the official is heard saying: “We always want to arrest them for investigation, as much as possible… We arrest these shmucks even without evidence for a few days… Put them in holding cells. With mice.” Later in the same conversation, he expressed contempt toward the IDF and settlers: “This isn’t an army… These are a joke, these are militias – they’re the settlers themselves.”
Harsh criticism from officials
In response, the Prime Minister’s Office issued a strongly worded statement:
“In a nation governed by law, it is unacceptable to detain citizens without evidence. This conduct is reminiscent of dark regimes.”
Chairman of the Yesha Council, Israel Gantz, also criticized the remarks, saying:
“The Shin Bet must reflect deeply and provide the public with clear answers.”
The Shin Bet issued a clarification, stating that “the comments made do not reflect the values of the service,” and emphasized that every arrest is made only after an intelligence assessment and judicial approval.
Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar has invited the Knesset Intelligence Subcommittee for a special visit to the division, where oversight procedures and operational safeguards will be presented in full.
