Lahav 433 Chief to Resume Duties Amid Ongoing Investigation

Despite being under active investigation for suspected breach of trust and misuse of official authority, Assistant-Chief Meni Binyamin will return to his post as head of Lahav 433 this Sunday, the Israel Police confirmed.

Binyamin, who was detained earlier this month by the Justice Ministry’s Police Internal Investigations Department, stands accused of improperly assisting an associate involved in a highly sensitive probe. While the investigation remains ongoing, his reinstatement signals a controversial decision within law enforcement circles balancing the principle of presumed innocence against the integrity of Israel’s elite anti-corruption division.

Until now, Deputy Superintendent Eli Makmel, head of the National Fraud Investigations Unit, had been serving as acting head of Lahav 433. Makmel was appointed following Binyamin’s temporary suspension during initial questioning under caution.

Binyamin’s policing career spans decades. Starting in the Border Police, he later transferred to the Israel Police, where he founded and led the specialized Yoav Unit. He also commanded the Golan and Migdal HaEmek stations and served as operations officer for the Northern District. Notably, he spearheaded the “Ocean” undercover operation one of the largest in the Northern District’s history which yielded extensive arrests and significant weapons seizures.

In his current role, Binyamin has led key national investigations, including a recent probe into suspected corruption within the Histadrut labor federation.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who was instrumental in Binyamin’s promotion, reaffirmed his support, saying Binyamin deserves the presumption of innocence. Ben-Gvir’s backing reflects a broader political divide over how allegations involving senior police officials should be handled.

The decision to allow Binyamin to resume leadership duties at Lahav 433 often referred to as Israel’s equivalent of the FBI comes as public trust in law enforcement institutions faces increasing scrutiny.

As Israel confronts rising internal and external challenges, the transparency and professionalism of its investigative bodies remain vital. All eyes will be on Lahav 433 as it moves forward under a cloud of controversy, yet again forced to balance justice, accountability, and leadership.

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