High-profile case9/28/2026

Avishai Moalem, a Central Figure in a Case Involving Ben-Gvir's Associates, Is Leaving the Police

Police officer Avishai Moalem, who previously headed the Judea and Samaria District investigations unit, is ending his service. According to the ynet website, he is expected to be appointed director-general of the Tiberias Municipality, where he resides.

Key facts

•Central figure in the case: Avishai Moalem
•Arrest and questioning: 2024
•Return to the police: June 2025
•New position: Director-General of the Tiberias Municipality
•The legal outcome is not stated in the source

What the Officer Was Suspected Of

Moalem is considered the principal suspect in a case linked to associates of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Among other things, he was suspected of refraining from arresting far-right activists in Judea and Samaria, allegedly in the expectation of receiving the minister's support and a promotion. These are suspicions described in the report, not guilt established in court.

The Arrest and Suspension

In 2024, Moalem was arrested and questioned by the Police Internal Investigations Department. He was placed on compulsory leave and was later questioned on suspicion that he tried to obtain police materials from a female police officer under his command, in violation of the terms of his suspension. Moalem himself called the investigation political and claimed that he was being systematically persecuted.

Return to Service and Departure

In June 2025, Police Commissioner Danny Levy decided to return Moalem to service, after which he was given a position in the logistics unit. Police sources had previously said that Moalem would not return to command the Judea and Samaria District investigations unit and would not directly handle ideologically motivated crime. He is now leaving the police and is expected to move to a position at the Tiberias Municipality.

What Is Known About the Legal Outcome

The source does not report the filing of an indictment, a judicial decision, or the closure of the investigation. The report also did not specify the case number, the exact date of his departure from the police, or the legal basis for the appointment.

What this means for you

This report describes a transition between positions, not a judicial decision or an admission of guilt. It is important for Israeli residents to distinguish between suspicion, a police investigation, and guilt proven in court: leaving the service or being appointed to a municipal position does not in itself determine the outcome of the criminal investigation.

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