Police Find Evidence of Bribery in 'Give and Take' Case Involving Former Bar Head and Senior Judge
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Israeli police have sent materials to prosecutors recommending bribery charges against former Bar Association head Efi Naeh and senior judge Eitan Ornstein. The "Neve Tzedek" affair involves allegations of a "give and take" arrangement where Naeh allegedly supported Ornstein's appointment as Tel Aviv District Court President. In exchange, Ornstein was reportedly asked to remove a judge unfavorable to Naeh's law firm. The investigation, prompted by a media report, included recordings of conversations between the two men and testimony from former Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Police found evidence of bribery in the "Neve Tzedek" case involving Efi Naeh and Judge Eitan Ornstein.
- Naeh allegedly supported Ornstein's appointment as Tel Aviv District Court President.
- Ornstein was reportedly asked to remove Judge Dalia Gannot from cases involving Naeh's firm.
- Recordings revealed conversations about the alleged quid pro quo between Naeh and Ornstein.
- Former Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked was questioned about Naeh's influence.
- Ornstein retired early from his judicial position.
Israel Police announced Wednesday that they have transferred investigation materials concerning the "Neve Tzedek" affair to the State Prosecutor's Office. The case, investigated by the National Fraud Investigations Unit (LAHAV 433), centers on alleged "give and take" dealings between Efi Naeh, the former Chairman of the Israel Bar Association, and senior judge Eitan Ornstein. Police believe there is sufficient evidence to indict them for bribery.
The investigation, launched following a March 2024 Haaretz report, examined suspicions of a corrupt relationship between Naeh and Ornstein. The report alleged that Naeh supported Ornstein's appointment as President of the Tel Aviv District Court in exchange for Ornstein allegedly removing a judge, Dalia Gannot, from handling cases involving Naeh's law firm. Naeh reportedly believed Gannot was not favorable to his firm's tort claims.
Recordings revealed conversations between Naeh and Ornstein in 2016, during the period when the selection committee for the District Court presidency was active. In one instance, Naeh told Ornstein, "You will get the Bar's support, file a candidacy and let's go," and instructed him to remove Gannot from tort cases. Ornstein was heard laughing in response. Later, Ornstein told Naeh, "Efi, I have repaid the debt if so," to which Naeh replied, "No. I will find you a new one." Ornstein also asked Naeh to "look out for me" and thanked him after his appointment, noting he would visit Naeh's office "in secret."
Former Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked, who appointed judges, was questioned by investigators in July regarding Naeh's influence and whether she was aware of the alleged quid pro quo. Naeh, during 2017-2018, was a powerful figure in the Israeli justice system, forming a political alliance with Shaked on the Judicial Selection Committee, which led to several judicial appointments, including Supreme Court Justice Yosef Elron.
Ornstein announced his early retirement from the judiciary six months after the alleged deal, citing "hard work and managing mega-cases in the economic field." Judge Gannot also provided testimony as part of the investigation.
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