Tel Aviv, September 15, 2025 (Agencies): A major political scandal has erupted in Israel after police raided the office of Social Equality Minister May Golan and arrested a close associate, uncovering what officials described as a fully equipped drug lab at the home of one of her senior aides. The case is being handled by Lahav 433, Israel’s elite anti-corruption and organized crime unit, which is also investigating allegations of fraud, misuse of public funds, and fictitious employment linked to the minister’s office.
According to police sources, investigators discovered marijuana plants and cultivation equipment during a search of the aide’s residence, sparking fresh controversy in an already high-profile corruption probe. Authorities have also seized documents and electronic devices from Golan’s office and detained several individuals for questioning, including one of her lawyers.
The investigation reportedly focuses on allegations that public funds were funneled to nonprofit organizations linked to Golan, with irregular appointments and pay-for-no-work jobs created to benefit associates. Media reports have accused Golan’s network of using donations improperly, raising concerns about financial mismanagement at the ministerial level.
Minister Golan has denied any wrongdoing and claimed that recordings aired by local media were manipulated using artificial intelligence to discredit her. She has agreed to cooperate with the investigation and is expected to appear for questioning by Lahav 433 officers in the coming days.
Opposition lawmakers have called for full transparency, warning that the scandal has eroded public trust in government institutions. Watchdog groups have urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to suspend Golan pending the outcome of the inquiry, though no formal decision has been announced.
Political analysts say the case could have far-reaching implications, potentially destabilizing Golan’s position within the cabinet and testing the government’s commitment to anti-corruption reforms.