Former Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked Testifies in High-Profile Legal Appointment Corruption Case

Former Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked appeared on Tuesday at the National Fraud Investigation Unit to provide an open testimony in the 'Neve Tzedek' affair. The case involves allegations of quid pro quo between former Israel Bar Association chairman Effi Naveh and Judge Eitan Ornstein. Naveh is suspected of acting to promote Ornstein's appointment as president of the Tel Aviv District Court. In May, Channel 13 reported the case was reopened with police believing there is sufficient evidence to indict both Naveh and Ornstein on charges ranging from breach of trust to bribery.

A week before that report, a close associate of Shaked gave testimony to clarify events during the appointment period. However, the Attorney General, Gali Baharav-Miara, did not authorize Shaked to be interrogated under caution or to provide testimony at that time. Consequently, police only obtained testimony from Alon Dvir, a former aide to Shaked. Following the necessary approvals, Shaked was able to testify openly this week as part of the ongoing investigation.