Knesset committee to probe 'Prisoner X' affair

Subcommittee on intelligence affairs says will hold comprehensive examination of arrest and death of Ben Zygier

Moran Azulay|Published: 02.17.13 , 22:40

The Knesset subcommittee on intelligence affairs has decided to conduct an examination of the Ben Zygier affair.

Earlier on Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made his first comment on the affair and said that he has "every confidence" in the defense establishment's decisions in the case.

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"Our security forces work tirelessly and diligently to ensure that we can live here safely. I have every faith in them and in our legal system," he said.

"The intelligence and security communities in Israel, while independent, operate under the full supervision of the law. This combination of abiding by the law and by our security needs helps maintain the freedom of speech.

"However, over-exposing intelligence and security operations can – and sometime does – seriously compromise state security," Netanyahu stressed.

Also Sunday, Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr announced that an independent inquest into Zygier's death will be launched adding that Australia has "Asked the Israeli government for a contribution to that report."

On Saturday, it was reported that the Justice Ministry is favorably considering publishing the details of the inquiry into the death of "Prisoner X," but has yet to make a final decision on the matter.

Over the weekend, a senior official in the Justice Ministry said that the government is considering filing an indictment in connection to his suicide.