New head of Police Investigations Unit loses key responsibilities
In a break with convention, Lahav 433—the unit responsible for the most important investigations the police conduct—will likely pass to Commissioner Alsheikh instead of the new head of the Investigations and Intelligence Unit.
The move has displeased some senior officials in the police, especially the new head of the Investigation and Intelligence Department, Assistant Commissioner Gadi Siso, whose predecessors were responsible for the unit.
Former head of the Investigation and Intelligence Division, Yossi Sadbon, said, "This is a move that is not healthy for the organization and the commissioner himself doesn't have time to deal with all the responsibilities the unit requires."
Lahav 433 contains the National Financial Investigations Unit, the National Fraud Investigations Unit—which deals with white collar crime and political corruption—and the Unit of International Crime Investigations.
Siso is currently the deputy head of Lahav 433 and is set to replace Deputy Commissioner Manny Yitzhaki, who has managed two investigations into Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu; the 1000 and 2000 cases, which concern the "Netanyahu-Mozes" affair and Netanyahu's alleged receiving gifts from Arnon Milchan.
Siso is expected to assume the position once the police forward their recommendation to Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit, which is expected to occur in the coming weeks.
With the new position, Siso will be promoted to the rank of Deputy Commissioner.
