Turmoil in the Prisons Service's elite unit: warned of suspected irregularities - and was removed from his position
A senior officer in the Israel Prisons Service's Masada unit, serving there for 17 years, has turned to the State Comptroller requesting recognition as a whistleblower. He claims that after warning of alleged failures in a procurement process for training fighters, he was marked by his commanders, transferred from his position without his consent, and is subject to a boycott and being sidelined within the unit.
A senior officer in the Israel Prisons Service's Masada unit, who has served there for 17 years and holds a role in developing weapons, sent an unusual letter to the State Comptroller requesting recognition as a whistleblower. He claims that after warning of alleged failures in a procurement process for training fighters, he was marked by his commanders. At the center of his claims is the selection of the "TA'AS College," which he says was about 44% more expensive than another institution. He claims that when he tried to address the issue, he was told "you don't touch that." After his warning, he describes a conversation with the unit commander in which he felt threatened and was treated dismissively. Subsequently, it was decided to transfer him to another role without his consent and to place in his position a female officer who he claims lacks experience. He alleges a collective boycott in the unit, being sidelined, having his long weapon taken away, and cameras being removed from his office. The letter also describes a meeting with the head of the Prisons Service's operations division, where it was said that those involved cannot continue to serve together, but it was he who would be recommended to leave. The senior officer demands that the State Comptroller investigate his claims and the connection between his warnings and the steps taken against him.