Former Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked Testifies in Corruption Probe Involving Ex-Lawyer Head and Senior Judge
Former Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked provided open testimony on Tuesday in the "Neve Tzedek" affair at the National Fraud Investigation Unit (YAHACH) in Lahav 433. The case centers on alleged quid pro quo dealings between former Israel Bar Association chairman Adv. Effi Nave and senior judge Eitan Orenstein. Nave reportedly supported Orenstein's appointment as president of the Tel Aviv District Court in exchange for sidelining a judge disliked by Nave.
On May 28, 2024, YAHACH detained both Nave and Orenstein on suspicions of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, conducting searches at their homes. The investigation began after a Haaretz report on March 20, 2024, revealed conversations from March to August 2016 during the selection committee process for the district court president. The recordings suggested Nave influenced the appointment by undermining Judge Dalia Ganot, whom he opposed, and later used the relationship to promote favored judges.
The report detailed how Nave disparaged Ganot to Orenstein, urging him to commit to removing her from certain cases. Following these maneuvers, Ganot resigned, citing the interference. Recorded conversations captured Orenstein thanking Nave after learning of his appointment from Shaked, with Nave promising continued support.
Between 2017 and 2018, Nave was a powerful figure in Israel's legal system, forming a political alliance with then-Justice Minister Shaked that facilitated several judicial appointments, including Supreme Court Justice Yosef Elron. The exchanges between Nave and Orenstein included informal and inappropriate remarks for their positions, highlighting the blurred lines in their relationship. Orenstein announced his early retirement months later, attributing it to heavy workload and managing complex economic cases.
The investigation continues as authorities probe the extent of corruption and influence peddling within Israel's judiciary and legal institutions.
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