Herzog backs Attorney General despite disputes over probe team

President Yitzchak Herzog addressed Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara on Thursday, speaking about the disputes surrounding her and the establishment of a joint police-Shin Bet investigative team. Despite disagreements between them, the president said investigative bodies should be allowed to carry out their work.

"I have many arguments with the Attorney General, just as I do with many people," Herzog said, but emphasized that he views her as a figure with security understanding and experience in examining the issues before her.

The president also referenced Baharav-Miara's family background and her experience with the subject matter. "This is a figure with a distinct security perspective whose husband was a Shin Bet officer for decades, who has examined the matter and is examining it in depth as she is obligated to do," he said.

Herzog went on to discuss the agreements reached regarding the work of the investigative bodies. The president noted that a working protocol has been established and that a joint investigative team has been formed, with participation from both the police and the Shin Bet.

"They sat down and agreed on a working protocol that establishes an investigative team of police and Shin Bet," the president said, referring to the arrangement set between the parties involved.

Herzog made clear that in his view, following the formulation of the working protocol and the establishment of the joint team, the professional bodies should be allowed to continue handling the matter.

"And I think we need to look at this and say: let them work," the president concluded.