PMO denies Shin Bet's alleged probe into police, claims political motives

The Prime Minister's Office has denied claims that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorized the Shin Bet to gather evidence against National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir amid allegations of Kahanist infiltration in the Israel Police. A report by Channel 12 suggested that the Shin Bet was conducting a covert investigation into far-right elements within the police linked to Ben-Gvir's political influence, which both Netanyahu and Ben-Gvir have dismissed as false. The Shin Bet initially appeared to confirm the investigation but later issued a denial, stating that no such probe was currently underway. Netanyahu has insisted he was never informed of any intent by the Shin Bet to act against him or Ben-Gvir. The controversy surrounds Kahanism, a far-right ideology associated with the banned Kach party, which is viewed as a threat to Israel's democratic framework. The situation has escalated tensions between the government and security agencies, as Ben-Gvir has labeled the developments an “earthquake.”