Israeli Coalition Backs Gotliv Immunity Request as AG Opposes, Hearing Devolves Into Broader Attacks
The Knesset House Committee held a second hearing on MK Tally Gotliv's immunity request after she was indicted for exposing a Shin Bet officer's identity on social media. Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara argued the case involves a straightforward law violation unprotected by parliamentary immunity, while coalition lawmakers used the hearing to attack the AG and judiciary. The coalition-controlled committee is expected to approve the immunity request, though it would expire when the current Knesset term ends in coming weeks.
The Knesset House Committee convened for a second hearing on Likud MK Tally Gotliv's request for immunity from prosecution related to social media posts from 2024 that identified a Shin Bet officer and promoted conspiracy theories linking an anti-government protest leader's partner to Hamas and October 7. Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara testified that the case involves a clear violation of law—exposing security personnel identities during wartime—that is not protected by parliamentary immunity, and that Gotliv's actions constituted a deliberate, repeated pattern rather than a single lapse. Coalition lawmakers dominated the hearing with attacks on the AG, judiciary, and security establishment, largely avoiding discussion of the actual charges. According to the Knesset's legal advisory team, Gotliv's immunity request relies on three grounds: that her actions were carried out in her capacity as an MK, that the indictment was filed in bad faith or represents selective enforcement, and that prosecution would impede Knesset functioning. Given the coalition's committee majority, approval is widely expected, though any immunity granted would expire at the conclusion of the current Knesset term.
What different sources said
- Times of IsraelCenter
Coalition turns Gotliv hearing into attack on AG, who opposes immunity for Likud MK
Related
Nigel Farage Returns to Public View After Seven Weeks of Limited Appearances Following £5m Donation Controversy
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, re-emerged publicly on Wednesday after seven weeks of largely avoiding media scrutiny following revelations that he received a £5 million personal gift from a crypto billionaire. The donation has been explained differently in various interviews—as payment for security, a Brexit reward, and other justifications—while Farage has cancelled events and limited public appearances. His return comes as Reform UK loses political ground to the further-right Restore Britain party, and observers suggest his absence has been an attempt to dodge accountability on the donation's origins and propriety.
Meta Employee Detained by Immigration Authorities Following Company Layoffs
A former Meta employee who was laid off on May 20 was recently detained by US immigration authorities, according to internal company communications reviewed by WIRED. The employee, whose nationality and visa status remain unconfirmed, was believed to be detained in El Paso, Texas, near the US-Mexico border. The incident highlights vulnerabilities for international workers on visa sponsorships who lose employment and the broader context of intensified immigration enforcement under the Trump administration.
EPA Replaces Desk Phones with Laptop Calling Software; Union Raises 911 Safety Concerns
The EPA replaced employee desk phones with calling software on laptops, prompting the largest EPA employee union to raise safety concerns about 911 geolocation functionality. The union claims the software does not reliably transmit location data to emergency responders, creating potential risks during medical emergencies. The issue highlights broader workplace safety and emergency response reliability questions in federal agency modernization efforts.