Adv. Rotem Bavli Dvir: “The ministers’ distancing themselves from the investigation, after they accused Bardugo of aggravated extortion, raises serious concerns about obstruction of justice and harm to public trust in the law enforcement system”
The Movement for Quality Government in Israel wrote yesterday, 11 May 2025, to government ministers Yariv Levin, Miki Zohar and Shlomo Karhi following their refusal to testify in the investigation opened against media figure Jacob Bardugo on suspicion of aggravated extortion – an investigation opened following the ministers’ own public accusations.
In a letter to the ministers, the Movement notes that according to publications, Justice Minister Yariv Levin rejected the police’s request to cooperate with the investigation, while Minister Zohar, who is currently abroad, stated that he “does not see any criminal aspect to his conduct.” Minister Karhi even attacked the attorney general, claiming that “there is no offense here and there is nothing to file a complaint about.”
The Movement emphasizes in its appeal that the ministers’ refusal to be summoned to testify in the investigation against Bardugo, while attempting to distance themselves from their remarks and attack the decision to open a criminal investigation – while the investigation was opened following their own complaints – is contrary to their civil and ministerial duty, and may even amount to an offense of obstruction of justice.
Furthermore, the Movement notes that the investigation on the “Uvda” television show regarding Bardugo’s demands from Minister Zohar – that the minister “arrange” for his nephew a job at the KKL, or that he use his authority and positions as a minister to enter into an agreement with a production company that Bardugo wishes to promote – raises serious concerns about Bardugo committing another offense: to solicit the commission of an offense of fraud and breach of trust.
Adv. Rotem Bavli Dvir, head of the legal department of the Movement for Quality Government in Israel: “Ministers have a duty to assist law enforcement authorities so that justice is done and the truth is established, especially when they are dealing with such serious suspicions that directly concern them. Distancing themselves from the investigation, after they accused Bardugo of aggravated extortion, raises serious concerns about obstruction of justice and damage to public trust in the law enforcement system. Is there anyone who is above the law? Is there anyone who can shirk his civil responsibility? We demand that ministers cooperate to fully convey the message with the investigation that no one is immune from the law, even those close to the prime minister, especially when he is carrying out a campaign of terror against those in government who hold ministerial powers.”
Copies of the letter were forwarded to the attorney general, the state attorney, and the head of the investigations and intelligence division of the Israel Police.
