Full Breakdown
Investigation into Miki Zohar and the Histadrut Corruption Case
4/24/2026, 12:25:43 AM
Overview of the Investigation
Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar is under investigation for corruption as part of a broader probe into the Histadrut, Israel's primary labor federation. Zohar was questioned for the second time this week by the National Fraud Investigations Unit of Lahav 433, focusing on his connections to Ezra Gabay, the main suspect in the case. Gabay, an insurance agent and Likud party activist, is accused of orchestrating a bribery scheme that involved securing jobs in exchange for insurance contracts with labor unions.
Key Figures Involved
- Miki Zohar: Culture and Sports Minister and member of the Likud party, currently under investigation for alleged ties to the Histadrut corruption case.
- Ezra Gabay: The main suspect in the investigation, suspected of running a bribery network linked to the Histadrut.
- Arnon Bar-David: Chairman of the Histadrut, allegedly connected to Gabay's activities.
Details of the Interrogation
Zohar's interrogation lasted 11 hours, during which he faced questions regarding bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. In a statement, Zohar emphasized his intention to clarify his position, asserting that his political activities should not be misconstrued as criminal behavior. He stated, “I came this morning to answer every question and to refute all the claims that may be raised. Any attempt to link me to what is known as the ‘Histadrut affair’... will fail.”
Zohar's Defense
In a video message, Zohar claimed that the questions posed during his interrogation were primarily about "purely political issues." He expressed regret that the focus was not on the substantive allegations, stating, “I entered this investigation as a proud Likudnik, and I left it an even prouder Likudnik.” Zohar maintains that his friendships with various individuals do not implicate him in any wrongdoing and is confident that his responses will clear his name.
Broader Context of Corruption Investigations
Zohar is not the only Likud member facing scrutiny; Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is currently on trial for corruption, while Social Equality Minister May Golan is involved in an ongoing corruption investigation. Additionally, Knesset Finance Committee chairman Hanoch Milwidsky is under investigation for allegations of rape and witness tampering. This pattern of investigations raises concerns about the integrity of the Likud party and its officials.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the investigation argue that the focus on political figures may be politically motivated, suggesting that the inquiries could be an attempt to undermine the Likud party's standing. Zohar himself has framed the investigation as an attack on political activity, asserting that it is not a criminal offense.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Zohar has consistently denied any wrongdoing, the investigation continues to unfold, with hundreds of witnesses already questioned. The full extent of the allegations and the potential implications for Zohar and other Likud officials remain to be seen.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Any attempt to link me to what is known as the ‘Histadrut affair’ - in which hundreds of witnesses have already been questioned - will fail.” — Miki Zohar, Culture and Sports Minister
- “I can summarize by saying that I entered this investigation as a proud Likudnik, and I left it an even prouder Likudnik,” — Miki Zohar, Culture and Sports Minister
- “ “My friendships with various people cannot turn me into a suspect.” — Miki Zohar, Culture and Sports Minister
