The state revealed this in response to a petition to the High Court, explaining that it intends to authorize it to carry out additional tasks • "Improves the effectiveness of aid to the Ministry of Health"

The state responded Tuesday to a petition filed by the Civil Rights Association, Adela and other organizations, explaining that it intends to authorize the General Security Service to carry out additional missions, in addition to screening the coroners' mobile phones, to combat the spread of corona virus in Israel .

In its response, the state explains that this was done under the existing ISA law and with the approval of Attorney General Dr. Abihai Mandelblit, but notes that there may be additional tasks that will be entrusted to the security organization. "As part of the ministerial staff discussions, which are currently taking place, the task of adding tasks to the General Security Service is being considered, as part of the assistance it provides to the Ministry of Health in dealing with the spread of the Corona virus."

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The state's response also states that "alongside examining other alternatives as stated in the government's decision. The purpose of this is to improve the effectiveness of the assistance provided to the Ministry of Health, so that the virus can be slowed down by partially removing the restrictions on freedom of movement, in view of the balance between the entire set of rights Chapter ".

The State Response also states that "as far as the decision is made to add such tasks, an amendment to the Government's decision under section 7 (b) (6) of the General Security Service Law, 2002, will be required, with the approval of the Attorney General for outlining the legal aspect, and the approval of the commission. Deputy Intelligence and Secretariat Services of the Foreign and Security Committee in the Knesset. "

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The Association for Civil Rights reports that "the government's announcement of the intention to authorize the ISA for additional tasks most expresses the loss of brakes in the exercise of power. The GSS is designed to operate only in the security field, not in the handling of civilian issues. The GSS has enormous powers entrusted to it, knowing that it will use them to counter terrorism and not to monitor civilians. "