Ashkelon Mayor Tomer Glam was questioned under caution on Monday as part of a wide-ranging police investigation into suspected corruption involving municipal donations totaling millions of shekels. According to investigators, funds donated to the city by sources in Israel and abroad were allegedly funneled through a community fund and ultimately diverted for the personal benefit of Glam and several of his associates.
Glam was detained for questioning while attending an economic conference in Eilat, where just a day earlier he had spoken publicly about responsibility in managing public funds. “My mother always tells me—when the money is yours, do whatever you want with it. When it’s public money, you must act with great responsibility,” he said during the opening session of the Treasurers’ Association conference on Sunday. Early the next morning, police detained him in his hotel room.
Suspected Scheme Involving Fictitious Invoices
According to police suspicions, money donated to the Ashkelon Foundation was later paid out to business owners for fictitious services. Investigators allege that the businessmen submitted invoices for work that was never performed, received payments from the fund, and then transferred portions of the money—either in cash or through various benefits—to Glam and his associates, including senior municipal officials.
An investigative source questioned the nature of some of the transactions, citing implausible links between suppliers and services. “What is the connection between a battery store and spare mattress parts for residents?” the source asked. Police are also examining whether business owners who benefited financially from their relationship with the mayor later donated to Glam’s election campaigns.
Multiple Suspects Questioned
In addition to Glam, 11 other individuals were detained for questioning and later released under restrictive conditions. Among them are two department heads in the Ashkelon municipality, two mayoral assistants, a driver, four business owners, and a relative of the mayor who provided respite workshop services to residents during the war, funded by the Ashkelon Foundation.
Glam’s wife was also questioned and released shortly thereafter. Investigators are examining workshops she allegedly provided to residents during the war using foundation funds. She has denied any wrongdoing.
Searches were carried out at Ashkelon municipal offices and at the offices of the Ashkelon Foundation as part of the investigation.
Legal Response and Denial of Allegations
Attorney Esther Bar-Zion, representing Glam, rejected the allegations, stating that the mayor fully cooperated with investigators. “Mr. Tomer Glam was questioned several times, provided a full account, and answered every question,” she said. “He did not take a single shekel illegally, did not transfer funds to associates, and did not receive favors.”
According to his legal team, Glam understands the need for a thorough investigation and believes it will ultimately prove the allegations to be unfounded. “Despite the investigation, the mayor continues to focus on the welfare of the city and its residents,” Bar-Zion added.
Restrictions Imposed as Investigation Continues
Following his questioning, Glam was released on Tuesday and placed under five days of house arrest. He was also barred from entering the municipality for a week. The offenses under investigation include accepting bribes, fraud, theft by a public official, and money laundering.
Glam, who is identified politically with the Likud party, has denied all suspicions. His associates argue that his release indicates the case may weaken as the investigation progresses. Police say the inquiry is ongoing.
