Photo: Getty images
On Monday, 2 December, Israeli prosecutors announced the arrest of one of the highest-ranking officers in the Prisons Authority (Shabas) on suspicion of breach of trust and attempting to obstruct the investigation. The case also involves two police officers with the ranks of lieutenant colonel and major, who were questioned by investigators.
Detention on the road: details of the incident
According to sources close to the detainee, the Shabas officer was stopped on his way to work. The operation was carried out by the Police Criminal Investigation Department (MAHASH). The road was blocked, and the officer’s bodyguards pulled out their weapons, pointing them at the operatives. Only after the detainee realised that he was facing prosecutors did the situation resolve itself. The officer was taken to the MAHASH office under escort.
Political connections and suspicions
The detained officer was appointed to his position by the Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir. Their relationship is described as “very warm and trusting”. Other charges include the use of a subordinate to put pressure on the administrator of a Telegram channel that published critical material about the minister. The subordinate allegedly told the administrator that her career development depended on the removal of these materials.
Suspects in the case
A police colonel is suspected of bribery, breach of trust and abuse of office. A police major is involved in the case as an accomplice in bribery and breach of trust.
Police response
The leadership of the Israeli police expressed shock at the case. “I still can’t believe it,” a senior police officer told Ynet, “We don’t know what exactly prompted the investigation, but the situation has shaken everyone.
