Police Conclude Bribery Probe into Former Bar Head Nave and Ex-Judge Orenstein
Israeli police conclude the bribery investigation involving former Bar Association head Efi Nave and former judge Eitan Orenstein, transferring the case file to prosecutors for a charging decision.
The police's Lahav 433 major crimes unit has concluded its investigation into the bribery case involving former Israel Bar Association head Efi Nave and former Tel Aviv District Court President Eitan Orenstein, transferring the findings to the Tel Aviv District Prosecutor's Office (Taxation and Economics) for a charging decision. Investigators believe they have gathered sufficient evidentiary foundation to indict the two suspects.
The high-profile investigation, dubbed "Neve Tzedek" by police, focused on suspicions of a corrupt quid pro quo relationship. According to investigators, Nave allegedly worked to advance Orenstein's appointment as head of the Tel Aviv District Court in exchange for Orenstein removing Judge Dalia Ganot from her position in the court's torts division.
The case was opened following investigative reports published by local media featuring 2016 recordings of conversations between Nave and Orenstein. In the tapes, Orenstein sought the Bar Association's backing for his judicial candidacy while Nave allegedly requested the removal of Judge Ganot, whom local attorneys disliked. Former Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked, who headed the Judicial Selection Committee at the time, also provided open testimony in the inquiry regarding her role in the appointments.
The police stated that all investigative materials have now been submitted to prosecutors, who will review the file to determine whether to file formal indictments against Nave and Orenstein for bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.
