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Social Equality Minister May Golan (Likud) was questioned by police under caution on Tuesday regarding allegations that she hit and injured a motorcyclist in a 2020 traffic incident.
After providing her account of the events, Golan was released without any restrictive conditions, though authorities confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing.
In a statement quoted by Hebrew media, Golan’s office said the minister had appeared at the central Tel Aviv police station voluntarily and had answered all questions posed to her.
The allegations date back to August 2020 when police suspect Golan ran a red light, colliding with a motorcyclist and leaving him slightly injured.
The case was initially closed due to Golan’s parliamentary immunity. However, it was reopened in mid-2024 with the approval of Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, following an appeal filed by the motorcyclist.
Critics have questioned Golan’s decision to avoid answering police summonses for more than six months. Despite repeated requests to appear, she had failed to cooperate until now, drawing criticism for what some perceive as an evasion of accountability.
Golan, known for her right-wing positions and fiery rhetoric, first gained public prominence for her campaigns against the housing of illegal migrants in her home neighborhood of south Tel Aviv. She has since built a political reputation as a vocal and divisive figure within the Likud party.
The minister has recently faced a series of controversies beyond the 2020 incident. Last week, Channel 12 aired an exposé alleging widespread nepotism and financial misconduct within Golan’s office.
The report claimed that she misused funds intended for her nonprofit organization and mistreated employees. Golan’s office dismissed the allegations, asserting that some of the recordings aired in the exposé had been manipulated using artificial intelligence to mimic her voice.
“The claims are baseless and an orchestrated attempt to tarnish Minister Golan’s reputation,” her office said in a statement.
In light of the Channel 12 report, police are reportedly considering initiating a preliminary inquiry into Golan’s financial activities.
Sources within law enforcement indicate that the Attorney General’s Office will need to approve any such investigation. However, a spokesperson for the attorney general told The Times of Israel that no formal request has been made by the police at this stage.
The mounting scrutiny on Golan has fueled debate about accountability and transparency among public officials. Critics argue that her delayed response to police inquiries and the growing number of allegations against her undermine public trust in the government.
Meanwhile, supporters of the minister claim that she is being targeted due to her outspoken political views and controversial positions on key social issues.
As the investigation into the 2020 incident progresses, Golan’s political future may hinge on its outcome and the handling of the allegations against her. For now, she remains under the spotlight, navigating a wave of public and legal scrutiny.