Israeli police investigate Tzachi Hanegbi over bribery accusations
3 Min Read
An Israeli watchdog group called the Movement for Quality Government has called for Hanegbi's immediate suspension.
-
"National Security" Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi speaks during a statement to the media at HaKirya base in "Tel Aviv" on October 14, 2023. (Agencies)
Israeli "National Security" Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi was interrogated by police on Sunday over allegations that he accepted a bribe in 2017, according to reports from Ynet.
Hanegbi, who was then serving as the Minister of Regional Cooperation, is accused of receiving NIS 10,000 in exchange for writing a recommendation letter supporting an airport project in occupied al-Quds.
The Prime Minister's Office released a statement distancing itself from the investigation, clarifying that it concerns an incident unrelated to current government operations.
"This is an investigation that is not related to the Prime Minister's Office or the National Security Council and relates to the publication of an event from seven years ago," the statement read.
Hanegbi responds
In response to the allegations, Hanegbi defended himself, stating that the claim originated from a civil dispute between businessmen, which had been publicized two years prior.
"I have already denied these claims as soon as they were published and have provided my version to the police," Hanegbi said.
An Israeli watchdog group, the Movement for Quality Government, has called for Hanegbi's immediate suspension, arguing that it is "unreasonable" for someone under investigation for bribery to lead the "National Security" Council, especially during wartime.
"At this time, when the country is at war and the National Security Council makes fateful decisions, the Israeli public deserves honest officials who act solely in the public interest," the organization stated.
Read more: Netanyahu sacks Gallant, appoints Katz as security minister
This investigation into Hanegbi follows a tumultuous week in Israeli leadership. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu just dismissed Security Minister Yoav Gallant, replacing him with Foreign Minister Israel Katz, sparking a widespread public backlash.
The timing of Gallant's dismissal has led critics to accuse Netanyahu of political maneuvering, with reports from Maariv suggesting that this move is part of a larger strategy to reshape "Israel's" security institutions with loyalists.
Gallant is believed to be just the first target, with the Chief of Staff and the head of Shin Bet potentially next in line.
The Maariv article by Ben Caspit accused Netanyahu of seeking to consolidate power by promoting third-tier officials into top security positions, prioritizing loyalty over qualifications. Observers argue this reshaping of "Israel’s" security apparatus, particularly during a time of heightened conflict, compromises the integrity of "Israel’s" defense systems.
Public outcry
After news of Gallant’s dismissal broke, hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Tel Aviv, shutting down the Ayalon Highway in a show of defiance.
This public outcry echoes broader concerns about Netanyahu’s political decisions, with Maariv portraying the Prime Minister as an "agent of chaos" whose actions prioritize his political survival and coalition stability, particularly his alliance with ultra-Orthodox parties, over "Israel's" security.
