Israel’s Channel 13 TV reported on Wednesday that Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked has apparently been summoned to testify in the new and serious corruption case under her domain, most of which is still under a gag order.
The channel reported that Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit has recused himself from the investigation due to his friendship with the main suspect.
Three suspects, including a female magistrate court judge, are being interrogated in the offices of the National Anti-Corruption Unit Lahav 433 in Lod, as part of what the news media describe as the “judicial case.” The investigation focuses on suspected offenses of integrity in connection with the appointment of judges.
The police report revealed that the investigation had been launched following information received by police two weeks ago. At the center is a suspicion offenses related to the appointment of a female magistrate judge a few years ago, as well as a failed attempt to promote a male magistrate judge to a district court.
On Wednesday morning, Lahav 433 detained one suspect, an attorney, for questioning, along with two additional suspects, one a female magistrate court judge, the other a female lawyer.
Additional witnesses have also been summoned, searches were conducted and documents and computer content were seized.
The Tel Aviv Magistrate Court has issued a gag order in the case until February 15. On Monday, Globes asked the same court to cancel the gag order, but his request was rejected.