Israeli Police Seize Over 180 Million Shekels in Histadrut Corruption Probe Involving Menora Insurance

Israeli police announced a major development in the ongoing corruption investigation within the Histadrut labor federation, known as the "Hand Shaking" affair. On Monday, authorities seized 93 million shekels from the accounts of Menora Insurance Company and an additional 93 million shekels from the personal accounts of five senior company executives, along with other assets. Several top officials from Menora had previously been questioned in connection with the case.

The investigation is being conducted by the National Fraud Investigations Unit (Yahch"a) at Lahav 433. The seized funds relate to suspicions that Menora promoted the signing and renewal of a pharmaceutical insurance policy within the Histadrut by providing benefits and payments to insurance agent Ezra Gabai. Gabai allegedly influenced Histadrut Chairman Arnon Bar-David to advance the policy repeatedly, boosting Menora's profits.

In December, Lahav 433 investigators searched Menora's offices and detained three senior executives suspected of bribery and knowledge of Gabai's alleged misconduct. A senior source involved in the probe explained that Gabai's role was to ensure Histadrut chose Menora over other insurers, with Bar-David facilitating policies generating tens of millions in premiums for Menora and substantial commissions for Gabai. The policy covered drugs outside the national health basket, despite professional opposition within Histadrut.

Bar-David has returned to his position but is barred from insurance-related activities and is expected to be summoned again for questioning. Investigators say the evidence strongly supports bribery charges, with seized funds reflecting the scale of the alleged offenses. The probe also involves other Histadrut employees, businessmen, public officials, and Minister Miki Zohar. The investigation, which began covertly about two years ago and was publicly revealed last November, is expected to conclude in several months.