Israel passes law limiting police investigative powers

Jerusalem: Israel’s parliament passed a controversial law limiting the police’s ability to recommend charges following their investigations after criticism that lawmakers were seeking to protect Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

But the law will not apply to current investigations, meaning that graft probes involving Netanyahu will not be affected – a change made after widespread criticism and large protests against corruption.

Members of parliament gave final approval to the Bill by a vote of 59-54 early yesterday after a marathon debate lasting nearly two days.

Under the law, police will not be able to recommend to the attorney general whether or not to charge suspects at the conclusion of a probe.

The new law requires the attorney general to ask for police input.

Netanyahu called for changes to the legislation in early December after his opponents said it was designed to help him survive ongoing corruption investigations.

The premier said it should be made clear that it “will not involve current investigations against me”.

His call came after thousands of people protested against corruption.

Proponents of the law say it will prevent the public smearing of suspects before the attorney-general decides how to proceed with a case.

Critics point out that it was proposed by Netanyahu supporters and designed to protect him as he awaits the completion of police enquiries.

Police are investigating Netanyahu over suspicions that he received expensive gifts from wealthy supporters as well as over allegations that he sought a secret deal for favourable coverage with a newspaper publisher.