Top Police Officer Resigns Amid Harassment and Evidence Tampering Probe

Major General Alona Shushan, head of the Human Resources Division in the Israel Police, announced her resignation on Monday. Shushan had been on extended leave since June following a criminal investigation into allegations of witness harassment, witness tampering, and evidence destruction. She had sought to return to her position, but Police Commissioner Roni Levi insisted she remain off duty until the investigation concluded. The case file is currently with the State Prosecutor's Office for a decision.

Shushan expressed hope that her resignation would lead to the closure of the case against her. The investigation into Shushan began in connection with the case of the Commissioner of the Israel Prison Service, Kobi Yaacobi. A key witness in that case, Superintendent Lior Abudraham, formerly head of the Police Spokesperson Unit, was allegedly recorded by Shushan in an attempt to undermine his credibility.

Shushan herself filed a complaint against Abudraham for alleged sexual harassment. Abudraham denies the accusations against him, while Shushan rejects the criminal charges. In July, an agreement was reached for Shushan to take a leave of absence until the investigation progressed. When she requested to return, Levi denied her request and extended her leave. Her lawyers argued that Levi had a conflict of interest due to his close professional relationship with Abudraham, who had previously served as Levi's advisor and head of the Spokesperson Unit, and requested that another officer handle her case.

The investigation into Yaacobi concerns alleged obstruction of justice related to the investigation of an officer connected to National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. The suspicion against Yaacobi involves proceedings related to the investigation of Police Superintendent Avishai Moalem. It was within this context that the suspicion arose that Shushan attempted to influence Abudraham's testimony against Yaacobi, including by recording him. Shushan countered that the recording was made after she experienced sexual harassment from Abudraham and was not intended to harm his testimony in the Yaacobi case.

Abudraham is also under investigation following Shushan's complaint of sexual harassment. Reports indicate Shushan claimed Abudraham made sexually suggestive remarks during a shared car ride after an event attended by police officers. Abudraham denies these allegations. The investigation was handled by the Competition Authority rather than the Police Internal Investigations Department due to the sensitivity of investigating individuals linked to the department itself. Abudraham's resignation from the police, citing health reasons, was approved in September and is expected to take effect in January. Shushan's departure, coupled with Abudraham's impending exit, means both senior officers connected to the affair are leaving the police force, with the decision on Shushan's criminal case now resting with the prosecution.