Lahav 433 investigates NSC chief Tzachi Hanegbi on suspicion of bribery

Hanegbi allegedly wrote a reference letter for a contractor, in exchange for which he reportedly received thousands of shekels.

 National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi speaks during a statement to the media at HaKirya base in Tel Aviv on October 14, 2023 (photo credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI/FLASH90)
National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi speaks during a statement to the media at HaKirya base in Tel Aviv on October 14, 2023
(photo credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI/FLASH90)

National Security Council Head Tzachi Hanegbi is currently being investigated by Lahav 433 on suspicion that he received bribes some seven years ago, Israeli media reported Wednesday. 

During his time serving as  Regional Cooperation Minister, Hanegbi reportedly wrote a reference letter for a contractor who wished to build an airport in the Jerusalem area, in exchange for NIS 10,000, which he received via a third party.

Contractor reportedly also under investigation 

The contractor, a foreign national, is also under investigation, according to the reports. 

A view of the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem (credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)
A view of the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem (credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)

The police opened an investigation into the matter after a petition was filed on the subject, requesting the police to do so. 

"This is a claim that was made as part of a civil dispute between businesspeople and was already published two years ago," a statement issued by Hanegbi in response to the reports read. 

"The head of the National Security Council has already denied these allegations as soon as they were published and has given this version to the police as well," the statement added. 

The Prime Minister's Office said in response to the reports, "This is an investigation unrelated to the Prime Minister's Office and the National Security Council, concerning a report about an incident from seven years ago."