Head of military HQ in Tel Aviv quits amid corruption probe

The Military Police launched a corruption investigation into the commander of the IDF’s Tel Aviv headquarters, prompting him to step down from his position immediately.

For the past three years, Col. Yigal Ben Ami has served as the commander of the army’s headquarters, known as the Kirya, in central Tel Aviv. Earlier in the day, the military announced that he had stepped down suddenly, but would not initially say why.

The IDF now confirms that the colonel is under investigation for “breach of trust and violating military orders,” but will not elaborate on the nature of his suspected crimes.

“The investigation is underway, and at this point no additional details can be provided,” the military says in a statement.

“The officer was put on leave and asked to move up his retirement from the IDF. His request was accepted,” the army says.

— Judah Ari Gross