Lahav 433 Commander Meni Binyamin Questioned on Suspicion of Breach of Trust

Meni Binyamin, commander of Israel’s elite anti-corruption and organized crime unit Lahav 433, was questioned this week by the Police Internal Investigations Department (Mishpat) on suspicion of breach of trust and abuse of office. The investigation centers on claims that Binyamin influenced an internal probe conducted by Lahav 433 in a case in which he allegedly had a personal conflict of interest.

According to police sources, the investigation is being led by the Investigations and Intelligence Division (MID) under the direct command of Maj. Gen. Boaz Balat, after Binyamin himself requested to handle the matter and was denied.

Binyamin, appointed in September 2024 by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Police Commissioner Maj. Gen. Danny Levy, was detained Tuesday morning during a senior officers’ workshop. Investigators waited until the event ended before escorting him for questioning, which lasted more than seven hours.

He was later released near midnight under restrictive conditions: barred from police facilities for nine days and forbidden to contact individuals involved in the case. His cell phone was confiscated for forensic review.

Police: “A Disciplinary Matter, Not a Scandal”

Maj. Gen. Boaz Balat, head of the Investigations Division, downplayed the affair in an internal briefing to Lahav 433’s command staff, calling it “a borderline disciplinary matter.”

Police later confirmed his remarks, saying:

“The head of the division held a conversation with subordinates, as expected. The investigation is being conducted by the Mishpat with the goal of uncovering the truth.”

Attorney: “A Lot of Fuss About Nothing”

Binyamin’s lawyer, Attorney Uri Korev, said his client cooperated fully with investigators, provided his phone and access code, and maintains that his actions were lawful.

“He was questioned for seven hours and released without conditions, except for temporary suspension,” Korev said. “Unfortunately, a gag order prevents him from presenting the facts, allowing rumors to spread. Soon the truth will come out — this is a lot of fuss about nothing.”

Allegations of Improper Influence

A senior law enforcement source told Ynet that Binyamin is suspected of intervening in a case involving a businessman close to him and of attempting to influence how the matter was handled within Lahav 433.

The specific case involved has not yet been made public and is reportedly still in preliminary stages within the police.

Political and Institutional Implications

The incident has sent shockwaves through Israel’s law enforcement community. Lahav 433 — often described as “Israel’s FBI” — oversees investigations into political corruption, financial crimes, and organized crime.

Binyamin’s appointment had already drawn criticism inside the police due to his rapid promotion from deputy commander to major general within 18 months, and for his close ties to political figures, including Prison Service Commissioner Kobi Yaakovi, an ally of Ben-Gvir.

A former senior police official told Calcalist last year that Binyamin’s and Balat’s appointments reflected a “quiet political takeover” of the Investigations Division and Lahav 433.

Commissioner’s Response

Police Commissioner Danny Levy has appointed Eli Makmel, head of the Yaha-TNA unit, as acting commander of Lahav 433 while the investigation proceeds. Levy has also convened the police command staff for an urgent discussion on maintaining public trust.

“Given Lahav 433’s central role in corruption and political investigations, the allegations represent a serious concern for the integrity of law enforcement,” a senior police source said.

The affair unfolds amid heightened tension in Israel’s law enforcement community, already shaken by the ongoing investigation of former Chief Military Advocate General Maj. Gen. Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi over the leak of sensitive materials.

Ben-Gvir, who backed Binyamin’s appointment, has publicly defended him, saying he is “presumed innocent” and expressing confidence that he will “return soon to his post.”

Binyamin’s partner told Ynet:

“We are law-abiding people. We believe in his innocence and will defend it.”