Israeli Police Spokesperson Chief Lior Abudraham to Step Down Amid Investigation

Lior Abudraham, the head of the Israeli Police Spokesperson Unit and a deputy commissioner, is expected to leave his current role following his involvement in an investigation related to associates of Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Despite stepping down, Abudraham will be promoted to another senior position within the police force. Concurrently, advanced negotiations are underway to reinstate former police spokesperson Eli Levi as his replacement.

Abudraham has been a key witness against Israel Prison Service Commissioner Kobi Yakobi in the probe concerning Ben-Gvir's associates. He testified openly to the Police Investigations Department (Mahash) that Yakobi informed Deputy Commissioner Avishi Moalem about an ongoing investigation against him. Yakobi has accused Abudraham of improper contact with a Mahash investigator involved in the case, allegations both parties deny.

At the time of his testimony, Abudraham served as an assistant to the police commissioner. He also revealed that he directly contacted Mahash head Attorney Keren Bar Menachem to obtain information about officers under investigation. The developments mark significant shifts within the police spokesperson division amid a politically sensitive inquiry.