Israel Prison Service Chief Commissioner Kobi Yaakobi is suspected of informing West Bank Police Unit Commander Chief Superintendent Avishai Moalem about a covert investigation being conducted against him and allegedly trying to interfere with it after learning of its existence, Israeli media reported Thursday.
Yaakobi is under investigation for fraud and obstruction of justice. Yaakobi is also suspected of attempting to influence National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to promote Moalem.
This prompted the investigation into Moalem to go public last Thursday when Moalem was arrested and Yaakobi was brought in for questioning. Moalem has since been released to house arrest by the Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court as of Thursday evening. The Police Internal Investigations Department (PIID) plans to appeal this decision.
Moalem is suspected of bribery, breach of duty, abuse of authority, and breach of trust. According to the allegations, Moalem ignored intelligence about suspects involved in Jewish terrorism in order to secure a promotion. Moalem is Ben-Gvir’s candidate for the head position in the Police Intelligence Division, with the rank of Brigadier General.
PIID, which is investigating the allegations, had requested an additional five days of detention.
“The investigation was initiated following intelligence received by the Exposure Team in the Investigations Division of the PIID. Based on this information, the investigation began as a covert operation, which was made public last week,” PIID said.
Ben-Gvir's response
Ben-Gvir issued a statement Thursday stating that those who implement his policies within the police force receive promotions. “In the past, people advanced in this ministry based on connections and deals,” he said.
“I’ll say it again – and with great pride – those who uphold my policy of governance, sovereignty, determination, and professionalism are the ones who advance in the police. That’s how it works in a democracy, not in a banana republic.”