High-profile case9/23/2026

Disclosure of a Shin Bet Employee’s Identity: The Dispute Over Tally Gotliv’s Immunity

Knesset member Tally Gotliv was charged with publishing classified information after revealing the identity of a Shin Bet employee—the partner of activist Shikma Bressler. The Knesset granted the Knesset member immunity, so the criminal proceedings are not being conducted during the term of the current Knesset, but this decision was challenged in the High Court of Justice.

Key facts

•The criminal indictment was filed in May 2026
•The immunity was approved by the Knesset on June 17, 2026
•Voting results: 61 and 62 in favor, compared with 48 against
•The civil lawsuit: NIS 2.6 million
•The certificate of privilege was signed after a nine-month delay
•The name of the applicable statute is not stated in the source

How the Dispute Began

In January 2024, Gotliv published a statement linking Shikma Bressler’s partner to Yahya Sinwar on the eve of the October 7 attack. According to the source, this claim was denied by then-Shin Bet director Ronen Bar and by the Prime Minister’s Office. Ronen Bar filed a police complaint, and Bressler filed a NIS 2.6 million defamation lawsuit against Gotliv in the Lod District Court.

The Criminal Indictment and the Certificate of Privilege

In May 2026, Gotliv was indicted for disclosing and publishing classified information—an offense punishable, according to the source, by up to three years in prison. To protect the identity of the Shin Bet employee and information concerning the service’s methods of operation, a certificate of privilege signed by the defense minister was required. According to Zman.co.il, Israel Katz delayed signing it for nine months and signed the document only in early May 2026; the reason for the delay is not stated in the source.

The Knesset’s Decision on Immunity

On June 17, 2026, the Knesset Committee and the Knesset plenum supported granting Gotliv immunity from criminal prosecution. The two legal grounds presented for granting immunity received the support of 61 and 62 Knesset members, respectively, while 48 opposed them. Therefore, Gotliv was not prosecuted on the criminal charge during the term of the current Knesset, although the source notes that after her term ends, the indictment may be refiled and the question of immunity will have to be considered again.

The Civil Lawsuit and the High Court Petition

Gotliv sought to apply parliamentary immunity to Bressler’s civil lawsuit as well, but the court rejected this request, and the defamation proceedings continued. The Shin Bet employee, the Movement for Quality Government, and the “Defensive Shield for Israel” forum petitioned the High Court of Justice to revoke the immunity granted to her. The High Court of Justice’s final ruling is not stated in the material presented.

What this means for you

Parliamentary immunity can suspend criminal proceedings for the term of a particular Knesset, but it does not necessarily bring the case to a definitive end. Nor does it automatically bar a civil defamation lawsuit. The Knesset’s decision may be challenged in the High Court of Justice, but the outcome of such a petition depends on a later judicial ruling.

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