IDF military police have questioned the commander of the Kirya base in Tel Aviv, Colonel Yigal Ben Ami, on suspicion of acts that violate moral standards and contradict army orders.

According to suspicions, Ben-Ami used the pool of elite vehicles for private trips by himself and his relatives, who assigned comfortable jobs at the Kirya to children of business people with whom he had social and economic connections, received benefits from contractors who renovate the complex and was involved in real estate fraud, breach of authority, inappropriate behavior and other offenses of integrity. When the matter was cleared for publication on Thursday, 5 Elul, it was added at this stage, it is not possible to give further details about the investigation.

The IDF Spokesperson’s Office said that Ben-Ami had gone on vacation following the opening of the investigation against him and requested that his retirement from the IDF be moved up from January to early September.

Ben-Ami himself denies the allegations against him. “The officer was shocked by the suspicions against him and he categorically denies them,” said the military’s main advocate, Colonel Ran Cohen, and Colonel (res.) Avi Amiram, who represent Ben-Ami.

“He fully cooperates in the investigation, answers all the questions and presents his answers in detail, as well as evidence on his part that contradicts the suspicions, and we are convinced that the suspicions will be rejected and call for rapid completion of the investigation.”

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)