Top Police Spokesperson Retires Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations

Police Commissioner Danny Levi has approved the voluntary retirement of Major General Lior Abudraham, former head of the police's spokesperson unit, citing "health problems." In a letter to Abudraham, Levi stated that his health condition prevents him from continuing his service. The decision follows an investigation into Abudraham, which began three months prior after a complaint by Prisons Commissioner Katy Jacobi. Jacobi alleged that Abudraham had a personal relationship with an investigator from the Police Internal Investigations Department (Mahash).

At the time of the initial complaint, a notice was circulated stating Abudraham would be absent for several days due to a "medical procedure on his leg." However, it was later reported that Abudraham was questioned under caution on suspicion of sexually harassing Major General Alona Shoshan. The investigation was conducted by the Competition Authority, not Mahash, because the complainant provided a recording allegedly proving a relationship between Abudraham and a Mahash investigator.

Abudraham was released under restrictive conditions after his interrogation. Major General Shoshan testified that the harassment occurred this year after an event attended by both officers and other police officials. She claimed Abudraham made explicit sexual remarks during a car ride after the event. Abudraham has denied these allegations.

Abudraham is a key witness against Prisons Commissioner Jacobi, who is suspected in a case involving associates of Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Jacobi had claimed Abudraham was involved with a Mahash investigator. Abudraham subsequently underwent a polygraph test, which reportedly found no connection between him and the investigator.