Former Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked Testifies in Orenshtein-Noah Corruption Case

Former Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked provided open testimony to police on Tuesday in the investigation known as the "Neve Tzedek" affair. The case involves alleged quid pro quo dealings between former Israel Bar Association chairman Effi Noah and retired judge Eitan Orenshtein. It is claimed that Noah supported Orenshtein's appointment as president of the Tel Aviv District Court in exchange for Orenshtein removing Judge Dalia Ganot from cases related to Noah's office.

The police launched a criminal investigation in May 2024 on suspicion of bribery against both Orenshtein and Noah. This followed revelations by journalist Chaim Levinson, who published transcripts of conversations suggesting Noah conditioned his support for Orenshtein's appointment on Ganot's removal from certain cases. Authorities emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and is being conducted under the supervision of the Tax and Economic Crimes Division of the prosecution.

Shaked's testimony is part of the broader inquiry into judicial corruption and influence peddling within Israel's legal system, highlighting concerns about the integrity of judicial appointments and the conduct of senior legal officials.