Chief Justice Esther Hayut and Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked gave a statement following the the sexual favors in exchange for judicial appointments affair:
"Today rumors were released regarding the affair being investigated in Lahav 433. Details of the investigation were released today, and it was clarified that this is suspicion of committing integrity offenses in connection with the appointment of one magistrate a few years ago and an attempt to appoint a magistrate to the District Court who was not advanced.
"As a result of this publication, we saw fit to note that we are confident that the law enforcement system will conclude investigating the affair and will arrive at the truth. We also note that during the term of Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked, as Judicial Appointments Committee Chair, the Committee appointed 334 judges and senior registrations in a careful and professional selection process. Alongside the Minister sit in the committee two members of the Knesset, the Finance Minister, three Supreme Court justices including the Chief Justice, and two representatives of the Israel Bar Association.
"The judicial branch in Israel has judges and senior registrars who do their job faithfully, honestly, and with dedication. We hope the investigation will be completed as soon as possible to preserve the status of the judiciary and the public's trust in it."