Histadrut head Arnon Bar-David’s associate ends own life after questioning in corruption case
The man, considered close to Bar-David’s family and who was supervising construction work on their house, was found dead in the Ben Shemen forest in central Israel.
A key witness and associate of Histadrut President Arnon Bar-David took his own life after being questioned in the Histadrut corruption case, Israeli media reported Monday.
The associate’s name has not yet been authorized for publication.
The man, considered close to Bar-David’s family and who was supervising construction work on their house, was found dead in the Ben Shemen forest in central Israel.
Police stressed he was questioned as a witness rather than a suspect and was “not questioned under caution”.
Arnon Bar-David, President of the Histadrut, speaks during a press conference attended by leaders of Israel’s business sector during a press conference at the Histadrut Union in Tel Aviv, March 27, 2023 (credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI/MAARIV)
Bar-David, along with insurance agent Ezra Gabay, were released last week and sentenced to 30 days of house arrest under strict court conditions.
The decision was made as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of corruption, fraud, breach of trust and money laundering involving the union’s internal operations.
The investigation, led by the Israeli police fraud unit, focused on the two men’s business dealings and their influence on union committees.
Investigators said a significant evidentiary base had been developed against Gabay, whose insurance network allegedly received preferential treatment in union-related decisions.
“Deeply disturbing” circumstances
The presiding judge called the circumstances “deeply troubling,” noting that the case paints a picture of Histadrut operating more like a private company than a labor organization.
Sarah Ben-Nun contributed to this article. This is a developing story.
