Six Defense Ministry officials have admitted they took gifts from contractors but denied they were given in return for ensuring those contractors won tenders held by the ministry, the Police International Crime Unit said Monday.

A joint police and Defense Ministry investigation has revealed that three managers and three inspectors of the ministry's administration, maintenance and property management division accepted benefits in the form of gifts, in restaurants meals and renovation work at their homes.

The employees confessed to having received the benefits, but said however they were part of a friendly exchange.

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The suspects are not directly involved in their routine work with the approval of tender applications and the employment of contractors at the ministry.

The investigation team failed to prove that the return was delivered in exchange for the benefits, but they believe that the contractors had intended to have the ministry officials recommend them to decision makers in future tenders.

Police also questioned three infrastructures and electricity contractors on suspicion of offering the bribes.

The police passed the details of the investigation to the Tel Aviv district attorney, who will prepare the indictments.