Gal Hirsch, the coordinator for hostages and missing persons, has faced criticism over his participation in the Independence Day torch-lighting ceremony at Mount Herzl, following criticism from hostage families and soldiers who served under him during the Second Lebanon War. Hirsch is also facing a trial for tax offenses dating back to the 'Defensive Shield" case, which he is accused of using fraud, deceit, and schemes to evade taxes. The prosecution filed charges against Hirsch and three others in 2021 for tax offences related to the case. The indictment alleges that between 2007 and 2009, Hirsch acted as partners in providing services to the Defense Ministry in Georgia and elsewhere through companies under their control under companies established in Israel and the British Virgin Islands. The defendants operated through the companies' control. The profits were divided among the defendants through transfers to their personal accounts and foreign company accounts controlled by them at foreign banks.