Criminal10/22/2026

Those Involved in the “Mirror Image” Case Transferred to House Arrest

Ironi Tiberias Football Club owner Aryeh Kalmanzon, his former partner Miki Bitan, and former team coach Eliran Hudeda were transferred to house arrest until November 1. Police suspect them of involvement in economic offenses, the use of double contracts, and the laundering of tens of millions of shekels, but no indictments have yet been filed.

Key facts

•Case: “Mirror Image”
•House arrest: until November 1
•Investigation: Lahav 433
•Scope: around 100 people questioned
•Estimated amount: tens of millions of shekels

Who Was Released from Custody

The transfer to house arrest took place with the investigating unit’s consent. Kalmanzon, Bitan, and Hudeda will be permitted to leave their homes to vote on Election Day. Yael Bar, an employee in the club’s finance department, had previously been released under restrictive conditions.

What the Police Are Investigating

The investigation is being conducted by Lahav 433, in cooperation with the Israel Football Association, the Tax Authority, the National Insurance Institute, and the Corporations Authority. The investigation began following suspicions involving double contracts and economic offenses; police also point to the alleged laundering of tens of millions of shekels. Several people were arrested after searches of the homes of members of the club’s management.

Why House Arrest Was Ordered

According to police, the suspicions were strengthened and additional avenues of investigation emerged after five days of intensive questioning. Nevertheless, the investigative measures carried out reduced the risk of obstruction of justice, and the detainees were therefore transferred to house arrest under stringent restrictive conditions. The investigation is continuing following their release.

Questioning and Possible Charges

Around 100 people have been questioned in the case so far, including 60 football players; another 16 players were expected to be summoned for questioning. Some players were questioned under caution as suspects: police believe the double contracts may indicate the concealment of income from the Tax Authority. Police expect indictments to be filed, but the source does not state that they have actually been filed; Kalmanzon’s attorney noted that an examination previously conducted by the Football Association found no wrongdoing by his client.

What this means for you

House arrest does not mean that the case has been closed or that the suspects have admitted guilt; rather, it is a restrictive measure imposed while the investigation continues. For people in a similar situation, the case shows that police may agree to release detainees from custody when the risk of obstructing the investigation decreases, while maintaining stringent restrictions.

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Case analysis based on court rulings