news brief Cabinet approves creation of government commission to investigate Pegasus spyware affair

Despite opposition from its legal counsel, Israel's coalition cabinet approved Justice Minister Yariv Levin's suggestion to establish a government commission of inquiry into the Pegasus spyware affair.

The commission was given investigative powers and authorization to examine the use of the controversial spyware by the police and the state prosecutor’s office against Israeli civilians.

"The spyware affair is one of the most serious [affairs] exposed in recent years. Exposing the truth in the matter, and preventing similar incidents of fatal violation of the right of Israeli citizens to privacy, is vital and extremely important," Levin said.

"I regret the reservations of some of the parties involved in this serious affair to conduct a thorough examination of the matter, despite the severe conflict of interest in which they find themselves.”

The commission will be headed by retired judge Moshe Drori.