Head of police major crimes unit, suspect in criminal probe, to take weeklong leave
Lahav 433 chief Manny Binyamin’s 7-day break cleared by commissioner, after he was interrogated a second time Wednesday over alleged interference in police investigation
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on Google
The head of the Israel Police’s top investigative unit, who is currently the subject of a criminal probe, will take a weeklong break from his post, police announced Thursday.
Israel Police chief Commissioner Danny Levy approved the request, allowing Deputy Commissioner Manny Binyamin to temporarily leave the helm of the Lahav 433 major crimes unit.
Investigators in the Department for Internal Police Investigations launched a probe into Binyamin last week on the suspicion that he interfered in an investigation in which he had a conflict of interest.
The agency, which is overseen by the State Attorney’s Office, said Binyamin was suspected of breach of trust and abuse of authority.
He was released home after his initial interrogation, subject to restrictions including a nine-day ban on entering police facilities and contacting those involved in the case.
Just before his nine days were up, Binyamin was summoned again for questioning Wednesday, dashing hopes among the police’s senior command that the official would swiftly resume his post.
Binyamin is one of the highest-ranking police officers in the country. He has been promoted in rank twice during National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir’s time in office. He assumed his most recent position, helming Lahav 433, in September 2024.
It is his job to oversee high-profile investigations, many involving politicians and other public figures.
Levy reportedly told senior officers behind closed doors earlier this week that he wished for Binyamin’s speedy return. “I hope that the head of Lahav 433, Deputy Commissioner Manny Binyamin, will soon return to his post and continue his holy work,” he said, quoted by the Kan public broadcaster.
Levy said the unit has faced a series of “sensitive and challenging incidents” and needed Binyamin back in charge.
Channel 13 reported earlier this week that Deputy Commissioner Boaz Blatt, who heads the police’s investigations and intelligence division, also expressed support for Binyamin, but in the meantime instructed his officers to “ignore the headlines and let the DIPI do its work.”
Binyamin’s lawyer, Uri Corb, told The Times of Israel Wednesday that his client “cooperated fully from the first moment and continues to do so,” while denying allegations he illicitly interfered in a case overseen by his unit.
The Times of Israel Community.