Israeli media reported on Thursday that the inquiry involved suspicions that Deputy Health Minister Yaacov Litzman obstructed justice by trying to prevent the extradition of Leifer to Australia.
Litzman’s office confirmed that police summoned him for questioning on Thursday.
Israel’s state prosecution says Leifer is feigning mental illness to dodge extradition.
Police would not elaborate, but Israeli media reported that Litzman is suspected of trying to falsify psychiatric medical evaluations that would bar Leifer from extradition.
An Israeli court previously halted extradition proceedings after determining Leifer was not fit to stand trial.
One child sexual abuse prevention advocate said his organisation suspected foul play in the case.
“These serious allegations against…Litzman, [confirm] the ongoing suspicion many have regarding this case,” said Manny Waks, CEO of Kol v’Oz.
Read the article in The Sydney Morning Herald (AP).
Also refer to an article on this subject in The Guardian.