Ayalon Highways Chairman Ousted Amid Resume Fraud Allegations

The Appointments Committee of the Companies Authority has decided to dismiss Idan David from his position as Chairman of Ayalon Highways. The decision follows a Channel 12 investigation that raised serious suspicions that David falsified information on his resume. The committee stated that David's original appointment was based on a false and misleading factual presentation regarding his managerial experience.

David had claimed to have served as deputy CEO of Migdalit, reporting revenues of approximately 800 million shekels and assets of one billion shekels. However, audited financial reports revealed actual revenues of only about 17 million shekels. Furthermore, individuals who allegedly signed supporting documents, including the company's former accountant and CEO, claimed the documents were forged and their signatures were falsified.

The committee emphasized that without these misrepresentations, David would not have met the basic qualifications for the role. They cited a breach of trust and suspicion of criminal offenses, including perjury and attempted fraud. Although removed as chairman, David remains a regular director on the Ayalon Highways board. His full removal as a director requires action from the Government Companies Authority director or the relevant ministers.

David's representatives responded by stating the committee thoroughly examined his experience and found he met the role's requirements, asserting that any claim of document forgery is severe. They highlighted his extensive management roles and development projects in Kiryat Motzkin. Meanwhile, the Movement for Quality of Government has called for a criminal investigation into the alleged fraud and misrepresentations, urging that dismissal is not a substitute for legal prosecution.

The initial investigation, aired on "HaMevaker," questioned David's reported financial figures and employee oversight, as well as projects he claimed to have advanced in municipalities where he served as CEO. Ayalon Highways manages an annual budget of approximately 3 billion shekels, and David's appointment, reportedly supported by Transportation Minister Miri Regev and Minister for Regional Cooperation Dudi Amsalem, lacked prior experience in the transportation sector. Tensions have also been reported between David and Ayalon Highways CEO Orly Stern, with David allegedly attempting to replace her despite her professional standing.