Religious Services Ministry Director-General Yehuda Avidan and two other senior officials arrived at Lahav 433 - The National Crime Unit for questioning in a case involving suspicion of fraud, breach of trust, abuse of office, and threats, Israel Police said on Sunday.
Police did not initially reveal Avidan's identity; however, his lawyer, Ofer Bartal, released a statement later on Sunday with details about the case.
[Avidan] was questioned today on suspicion of breach of trust," Bartal said. "The suspicion stems from a claim by the head of a religious council, according to which he forbade him from firing one of his employees because he is a Shas man. The truth is that Mr. Avidan demanded that the head of the religious council hold a lawful hearing for the employee and not unlawfully fire him.
"The hearing was canceled, and the employee was returned to work - until after he was fired following a hearing that was held as required. Mr. Avidan will continue to instruct all employees subordinate to him to act only in accordance with the law. We are confident that the case will be closed after all the facts are clarified."
The investigation was launched after a Channel 13 report revealed that the two senior officials allegedly pressured and threatened employees in religious councils and appointed associates of the Shas Party. The report also detailed the alleged method used in Kiryat Malachi.
As part of the investigation, the senior officials were questioned under caution, and testimony is currently being taken from another senior official in the Religious Services Ministry.
Israel Tax Authority official questioned by Lahav 433 over alleged privacy, misconduct offenses
Last week, a deputy director-general at the Israel Tax Authority was questioned by Lahav 433 investigators over suspicions of multiple offenses, including invasion of privacy, unlawful detention, obstruction of justice, fraud, and breach of trust.
According to investigators, the allegations stem from an incident that occurred several months ago, in which the senior official allegedly locked the door of his office while an employee was inside, confiscated the employee's mobile phone, and attempted to review recordings stored on the device.
Shir Perets contributed to this report.