Internal Lawyers Association Messages Reveal Sharp Criticism of Chairman Amit Bechar's Leadership

Internal communications among senior officials at the Israeli Bar Association have revealed unusual criticism of the organization's conduct during Chairman Amit Bechar's tenure. These messages, collected by the State Comptroller and published by Ynet on Thursday, include concerns about management decisions and financial issues. The officials involved claim their statements were taken out of context and distorted.

One notable exchange involved the association's legal advisor, Attorney Mirit Shalev, who expressed encountering numerous dilemmas during Bechar's term that were not present in previous leaderships. She criticized several initiatives approved at Bechar's request, such as transferring the international department to publishing, appointing advisors for Haredi affairs, publicity, community relations, and social media management, noting their high costs and negative impact on the association's budget and efficiency. Shalev clarified that her remarks referred to complexities arising from the political climate and legislative initiatives affecting the association, denying any intention to resign.

Accountant and deputy finance director Tomer Yazdi also shared his frustrations after a difficult conversation with Bechar, describing the environment as "sick" and some demands as "absurd." Yazdi requested a protective agreement in case of termination, citing political attacks on the association, legislative challenges, budgeting difficulties, and conflicts between the chairman and CEO. He denied that Bechar's conduct was legally problematic or that he received improper demands.

The correspondence also touched on a costly campaign against the government, involving newspaper ads totaling 300,000 shekels. While law firms contributed only 85,000 shekels, the remainder was covered by the association's funds. Yazdi explained the collection difficulties were technical, not legal, and the budget allowed full coverage. The Bar Association defended the campaign as a strategic effort to oppose attempts to remove the Attorney General and personal incitement against her, with the budget approved by the national council.

In response to the publication, the Bar Association accused the former CEO of filing a false complaint with the State Comptroller amid plans to end her employment. They stated that the legal advisor and finance deputy's responses refute the alleged falsehoods and criticized the media and government for ongoing efforts to defame the association due to its stance against judicial reforms. The association affirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law and democracy despite the controversy.