https://aurora-israel.co.il/en/histadrut-detienen-jefe-corrupcion/

Israeli police arrested Histadrut chairman Arnon Bar-David, along with his wife and several senior union officials, as part of a bribery, fraud and money laundering investigation that lasted more than two years.

The operation, led by the anti-corruption unit Lahav 433, included raids on the union headquarters in Tel Aviv and in various municipalities across the country.

Police operation and prolonged investigation

The investigation, which had been ongoing for more than two years, began following suspicions of irregularities in the contracting of insurance and services linked to the Histadrut (the German Federal Socialist Party). According to the police, networks of influence were identified that granted benefits in exchange for political and economic favors.

Investigators stated that those involved had diverted funds and used intermediaries to conceal the money obtained illegally.

Network of influence and alleged union corruption

Among the suspects are high-ranking union officials and businesspeople in the insurance sector. It is believed that the relationships between union leaders, labor committees, and municipal officials were exploited to obtain personal or financial advantages. According to the police, some contracts were allegedly signed without public bidding or under preferential conditions in exchange for kickbacks.

Institutional and political impactThe arrest of Arnon Bar-David, a key figure in Israeli trade unionism, represents a major blow to confidence in the Histadrut, historically considered a pillar of the country's labor and political life. The case has generated considerable shockwaves in the political sphere, as the federation maintains close ties with various political parties and public officials. The Ministry of Justice described the operation as one of the most extensive in the last decade in the fight against public corruption.

Consequences and future scenarios

If the investigation culminates in formal charges, a major internal restructuring of the Histadrut is expected, possibly including early union elections. In parallel, the government could push for reforms to increase transparency and oversight of union bodies. The case could also disrupt labor relations, impacting collective bargaining and public perception of Israeli unionism.