Identity of senior security official accused of bribery revealed
Brig. Gen. (ret) Avriel Bar-Yosef, who was due to soon take on his role as National Security Adviser to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Director of the National Security Council, stands accused of exploiting his senior position to advance the interests of a German tycoon in return for favors and money.
Bar-Yosef, who was slated to soon take on his role as National Security Adviser and Director of the National Security Council after being appointed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in February, was arrested for alleged offenses of bribery, money laundering, fraud, and breach of trust.
Bar-Yosef allegedly used his position to advance the business of a German tycoon in return for bribes transferred to him or members of his family by way of personal favors and money, without proper disclosure of their relationship by Bar-Yosef.
The investigations department of Ynet's sister publication Yedioth Ahronoth uncovered ties between Bar-Yosef, a German businessman and their influence on the gas market. Among other things, it was revealed that the German businessman flew Bar-Yosef's daughter to Berlin aboard a luxury private jet. At the time of the flight, it was discovered that he was involved in formulating Israeli government policy in the natural gas sector.
The investigation also revealed how he exploited "security reasons" as an pretext to build a facility that cost billions of dollars and was connected to the businesses owned by the same German businessman. The investigation raised concerns about government policy regarding gas and future economic decisions being related to contacts with foreign interests.
The official has denied all allegations and said that he "acted to protect citizens of the country and their security," and that "there is no basis for the claim that my official position had anything to do with the individual mentioned in the article. I am proud of my position."
Married with four children, Bar-Yosef served from 2009 until last year as the Deputy Director of the National Security Council. For six years prior he served as the director of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee and the Committee for the Defense Budget. Furthermore, he boasts an impressive military record, serving 25 years in the IDF.
