The Knesset on Wednesday approved MK Tally Gotliv’s request for parliamentary immunity from criminal prosecution, dealing a significant setback to Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara’s effort to indict the Likud lawmaker over her disclosure of the identity of a Shin Bet officer.

The Knesset adopted the recommendation of the House Committee, determining that Gotliv is entitled to immunity under two separate grounds provided by law: that the acts in question were carried out as part of her duties as a member of Knesset, and that the indictment was filed in bad faith or in a discriminatory manner.

A total of 61 lawmakers voted in favor of granting immunity under the first ground, compared to 48 who opposed it. On the second ground, 62 lawmakers voted in favor and 48 opposed. The immunity applies only during the current Knesset term, meaning charges could potentially be refiled in a future Knesset.

Shortly after the vote, the Shin Bet officer whose identity was disclosed by Gotliv filed a petition with Israel’s Supreme Court seeking to overturn the immunity decision. In a statement, he argued that the move sends a dangerous message to members of Israel’s security and intelligence services that their lives and the lives of their families can be sacrificed for political interests.

Last month, Baharav-Miara announced her intention to indict Gotliv on charges related to the disclosure and publication of classified information under the Shin Bet Law. In response, Gotliv formally requested immunity from criminal prosecution.

Defending her actions, Gotliv accused the Attorney General of targeting the government and said she would continue to stand by her claim of substantive parliamentary immunity. “It was done as part of my role, for the people and for my duties,” she said.

House Committee Chairman MK Ofir Katz said the committee held three lengthy hearings before recommending immunity, during which lawmakers heard arguments from both Gotliv and representatives of the Attorney General’s office. He noted that the committee ultimately backed Gotliv’s position by a vote of 11-3.

The Supreme Court petition argues that the Knesset’s decision was legally flawed and influenced by political considerations rather than an objective review of the facts. The petitioner is asking the court to invalidate the immunity decision and allow criminal proceedings to move forward.

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