Histadrut Leader Bar-David Suspended Another 90 Days Amid Expanding Corruption Probe

The Rishon Lezion Magistrate’s Court on Monday extended for another 90 days the suspension of Arnon Bar-David, chairman of Israel’s powerful Histadrut labor federation, amid a widening corruption investigation.

Judge Dorit Saban-Noy ruled in favor of state prosecutors, citing strong evidence and ongoing risks of obstruction if Bar-David resumes his role while the case remains in its early investigative stages. The extension keeps Bar-David from any involvement with Histadrut institutions until at least late March 2026.

The case, led by the Lahav 433 National Fraud Squad, involves allegations of bribery, fraud, breach of trust, and money laundering. Police suspect Bar-David and others facilitated the transfer of insurance portfolios linked to tens of thousands of workers in exchange for personal benefits.

Bar-David is prohibited from coming within 500 meters of Histadrut offices and from contacting dozens of individuals connected to the investigation.

His defense counsel, attorney Micha Fettman, proposed a partial return with supervision, but the judge rejected the idea, saying the risk of hidden misconduct remains too high, especially as many witnesses may be subordinates or dependents within the Histadrut structure.

The court cited extensive investigative activity scores of suspects and hundreds of witnesses questioned as justification for the continued restrictions, and emphasized that allowing Bar-David back could harm the integrity of the probe.

While acknowledging the serious impact of sidelining an elected labor leader, the judge said the evidence and risks involved outweigh concerns about federation functionality.

Bar-David, who has been under various restrictions since his November 13 release from arrest, remains under a travel ban and has posted a NIS 100,000 bond to ensure compliance.

The public investigation, dubbed yad lohetzet yad (“hand shaking hand”), has become one of Israel’s most significant corruption cases in the labor sector in years, spotlighting the intersection of union power and private financial interests.