Chief Rabbi Metzger
Chief Rabbi MetzgerIsrael News photo: Flash 90

The Chief Ashkenazic Rabbi of Israel, Yonah Metzger, was questioned for several hours Thursday by the anti-fraud unit of the Israel Police. He was questioned “under warning,” meaning that criminal charges are being considered.

The specifics of those charges were not revealed, but Rabbi Metzger is accused, according to a police source, of “fraud, theft by a public official, breach of faith, accepting bribes, and money laundering.”

Police searched Rabbi Metzger's office and home. It is not known if they took anything. In addition, three other suspects in the case were brought to a court in Rishon Lezion for an extension of their remand. No information was available about their connection, if any, to Rabbi Metzger.

Several years ago, Rabbi Metzger was questioned for receiving “unauthorized benefits,” accused of receiving free stays in hotels. Police dropped the charges when Rabbi Metzger's office produced proof that he had indeed paid for the trips, but not before headlines about his “corruption” were spread in the media.