Page 7 - shomrim-annual-2024

Shomrim I n 2023, Shomrim revealed a troubling procurement scandal in the
Exposes Scandal Ministry of National Security, where millions of dollars were spent
that Leads to on faulty protective vests for police forces. Despite warnings from
Investigation into senior police officials and initial lab tests showing the vests failed
ballistic standards, the Ministry proceeded with the purchase. This
the Ministry of investigation shed light on a broader pattern of irregular procurement
National Security practices within the Ministry, including bypassing standard tender
Protective Vest processes and relying on disqualified manufacturers.
Procurement Impact: Independent external testing in 2024 reaffirmed that the

vests failed to meet safety standards, leading to a decision by
Roni Singer
the State Comptroller to open a formal investigation into the
procurement practices of the Ministry of National Security.
The findings sparked intense public discourse and political debates,
with members of the Knesset citing Shomrim’s investigation during
parliamentary hearings. The story was widely covered by Calcalist,
Channel 13 News, and Galei Tzahal, and is an example of the
importance of journalistic oversight in safeguarding public safety.

National Security Minister,
at the time, Itamar Ben Gvir
Photos: Reuters, Shutterstock.
Image processing: Noam Tamari.

Shomrim | 7 | Annual Report