Former Israeli Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked Testifies in Corruption Probe Involving Ex-Law Society Head and Judge

Former Israeli Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked provided an open testimony on the morning of June 10, 2024, at the National Fraud Investigations Unit (Yaha) within the Lahav 433 police division. The testimony relates to the "Neve Tzedek" case, in which former Israel Bar Association chairman Adv. Effi Nave and former Tel Aviv District Court President Judge Eitan Orenstein are suspects. Both Nave and Orenstein face allegations of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, though neither has been arrested; they were released under restrictive conditions after interrogation.

The investigation, led by the Economic and Tax Prosecution, began following the publication of recorded conversations between Nave and Orenstein in the newspaper Haaretz. These 2016 recordings suggest a quid pro quo arrangement, where Nave allegedly promoted Orenstein's appointment as Tel Aviv District Court President through the Judges Selection Committee, which included two Bar Association representatives. At the time, Shaked chaired this committee and reportedly had a close alliance with Nave regarding judicial appointments.

The recordings reveal that Orenstein agreed to restructure the court's torts division to align with Nave's private law firm's business interests. Additionally, Orenstein allegedly complied with Nave's request to remove Judge Dalia Ganot from her position, as Nave and tort law attorneys reportedly opposed her. In one conversation, Nave assured Orenstein of the Bar Association's support for his candidacy if he removed Ganot from tort cases.

Previously, Channel 12 aired recordings of Shaked and Nave, indicating Shaked initially doubted Orenstein's suitability for the presidency and preferred Judge Yeshayahu Shenler. However, under Nave's pressure, she shifted her support to Orenstein. Shaked expressed to Nave that appointing Orenstein was problematic for her but acknowledged political pressures related to his status in the Religious Zionist community. Nave acknowledged owing Shaked but insisted their dealings were not transactional.

The case remains under active investigation, with Shaked's testimony adding critical insight into the alleged corrupt practices influencing judicial appointments in Israel.