Prison Service Commissioner Kobi Yaakovi Under Investigation for Obstruction of Justice

 Authorities confirmed today that Kobi Yaakovi, the Prison Service Commissioner and former security secretary to National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, is under investigation on suspicion of obstruction of an investigation and breach of trust. The investigation has raised significant political tensions, with Ben-Gvir vocally defending Yaakovi and accusing the Israeli Attorney General’s office of a politically motivated attempt to undermine government policies.

Yaakovi, who has held the position of Prison Service Commissioner since 2022, has been credited with implementing a series of reforms and changes within the organization, which Ben-Gvir describes as a “real revolution.” Before taking up his current role, Yaakovi was a security secretary to Ben-Gvir, who served as his superior in the Ministry of National Security.

In a statement responding to the investigation, Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir lauded Yaakovi’s service, saying, “Kobi Yaakovi is a dedicated fighter for the State of Israel who has been awarded medals of excellence for his work, including rescuing people from fires. He served as an outstanding area commander, and I had the honor of working with him when he was my security secretary."

Ben-Gvir also criticized the investigation, alleging that it was a targeted attack on Yaakovi for his conservative policies. "I am aware that the Attorney General did not like the changes and policies Kobi implemented,” Ben-Gvir said. “But in a democratic country, there is no place for ‘stitching up files’ on those whose opinions do not align with the establishment."

The minister went further, calling the investigation part of a broader campaign against right-wing government officials. “This is a coup d’état,” Ben-Gvir stated. “The Attorney General and State Attorney are using the Police Investigations Department to deter senior officers in the Prison Service and police from implementing my policies and those of the right-wing government. A bright red line was crossed this morning.”

Ben-Gvir also announced that he would make a significant public statement later today regarding the investigation and the ongoing tensions with law enforcement authorities.

Background on Yaakovi’s Role in Prison Service

Yaakovi, a senior officer in the Israeli Prison Service, has been at the center of multiple reforms to improve governance and order within the agency. His tenure as commissioner has been marked by significant efforts to address operational challenges and internal issues within the service, although his reforms have met with some resistance, particularly from legal and judicial officials.

Political Tensions Escalate

The investigation into Yaakovi comes amid rising political tensions surrounding law enforcement's relationship with the right-wing government, particularly the Ministry of National Security. Critics have suggested that the legal challenges facing senior officials like Yaakovi may be a symptom of a broader struggle between government officials and the country’s legal establishment.

As the investigation continues, Ben-Gvir’s response to the allegations signals a broader confrontation with Israel's judicial authorities. The minister’s decision to publicly defend Yaakovi and frame the investigation as politically motivated sets the stage for further clashes between the government and the legal system.

Developments Expected Tonight

Minister Ben-Gvir has indicated he will make a significant media statement tonight in light of the investigation and growing public controversy. It remains to be seen whether the statement will address the investigation in detail or expand on his ongoing criticism of the Attorney General and other law enforcement agencies.