28 aug 2012
Israeli sources reported Monday that the Israeli prosecution is weighing the possibility of dropping bribery and corruption charges against former Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, and his two sons, Omri and Gilad, due to the lack of evidence.
The case of the Multimillion dollars believed to have been embezzled by Sharon and his sons consumed the Israeli media for a long time, and vanished before resurfacing Monday when Israel’s leading newspaper, Haaretz, reported that the case against Sharon, who is in a coma, and his sons, will be closed.
It is worth mentioning that an investigation team, specialized in bribery, embezzlement and corruption cases, headed by General Nahom Levi, submitted recommendations more than a year ago calling on the State to prosecute Omri and Gilad for their mediation role in transferring millions of US Dollars of embezzled money.
Haaretz reported that the Israeli Prosecution in Tel Aviv examined evidence and materials related to the case, and decided to recommend closing the case “due to the lack of conclusive and incriminating evidence”.
Haaretz added that the current medical condition of Sharon, the main defendant in the case, is one of the main reasons that pushed for recommending dropping the charges, as Sharon is not fit to stand trial.
In related news, lawyers representing the current Israeli Foreign Minister, Avigdor Lieberman, stated that they managed to limit the chances of the prosecution to secure a conviction against him. The investigation against Lieberman was initiated six years ago.
Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, suffered a stroke on January 4, 2006, and has been in a persistent vegetative state since then.
On March 2009, the District Court in Tel Aviv, indicted former Israeli President, Moshe Katsav, for rape and various sexual offenses. The trial was held in 2009 and 2010 behind closed doors. There was a gag order on the case, and in August 2010, the protocols of the trial were released.
On December 2010, Katsav was found guilty of rape, committing an indecent act while using force, sexual harassment, obstruction of justice and harassing a witness.
On March 22 2011, Katsav was sentenced to seven years in prison and two years on probation, in addition to being ordered to pay one of the women he harassed a sum of 100.000 NIS, and to pay another woman a sum of 25.000 NIS.
Also, former Israeli Prime Minister, a long-time politician, and a former Mayor of Jerusalem, Ehud Olmert, faced on August 30 2009, an indictment at the District Court in Jerusalem. The indictment included five counts; obtaining by fraud under aggravating circumstances, fraud, breach of trust, tax evasion, and falsifying corporate documents.
On July 2012, Olmert was convicted of one count of breach of trust and was acquitted and was acquitted on two counts of fraud.
http://www.imemc
The case of the Multimillion dollars believed to have been embezzled by Sharon and his sons consumed the Israeli media for a long time, and vanished before resurfacing Monday when Israel’s leading newspaper, Haaretz, reported that the case against Sharon, who is in a coma, and his sons, will be closed.
It is worth mentioning that an investigation team, specialized in bribery, embezzlement and corruption cases, headed by General Nahom Levi, submitted recommendations more than a year ago calling on the State to prosecute Omri and Gilad for their mediation role in transferring millions of US Dollars of embezzled money.
Haaretz reported that the Israeli Prosecution in Tel Aviv examined evidence and materials related to the case, and decided to recommend closing the case “due to the lack of conclusive and incriminating evidence”.
Haaretz added that the current medical condition of Sharon, the main defendant in the case, is one of the main reasons that pushed for recommending dropping the charges, as Sharon is not fit to stand trial.
In related news, lawyers representing the current Israeli Foreign Minister, Avigdor Lieberman, stated that they managed to limit the chances of the prosecution to secure a conviction against him. The investigation against Lieberman was initiated six years ago.
Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, suffered a stroke on January 4, 2006, and has been in a persistent vegetative state since then.
On March 2009, the District Court in Tel Aviv, indicted former Israeli President, Moshe Katsav, for rape and various sexual offenses. The trial was held in 2009 and 2010 behind closed doors. There was a gag order on the case, and in August 2010, the protocols of the trial were released.
On December 2010, Katsav was found guilty of rape, committing an indecent act while using force, sexual harassment, obstruction of justice and harassing a witness.
On March 22 2011, Katsav was sentenced to seven years in prison and two years on probation, in addition to being ordered to pay one of the women he harassed a sum of 100.000 NIS, and to pay another woman a sum of 25.000 NIS.
Also, former Israeli Prime Minister, a long-time politician, and a former Mayor of Jerusalem, Ehud Olmert, faced on August 30 2009, an indictment at the District Court in Jerusalem. The indictment included five counts; obtaining by fraud under aggravating circumstances, fraud, breach of trust, tax evasion, and falsifying corporate documents.
On July 2012, Olmert was convicted of one count of breach of trust and was acquitted and was acquitted on two counts of fraud.
http://www.imemc
21 oct 2011
In forthcoming biography, former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's son slams Netanyahu's inconsistent behavior prior to unilateral withdrawal from Gaza, says his father 'moves fingers when I ask him to'.
Former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has been in a deep coma for nearly six years, after suffering a massive stroke that almost ended his life, but on Thursday, his son, Gilad Sharon, said in a telephone interview with the New York Times that "when he is awake, he looks at me and moves fingers when I ask him to.
In his forthcoming biography, titled “Sharon: The Life of a Leader,” due out on Tuesday, the former prime minister's son writes that his father, who was transferred to the family's ranch a year ago but taken back to the hospital shortly afterwards, “lies in bed, looking like the lord of the manor, sleeping tranquilly.
"Large, strong, self assured. His cheeks are a healthy shade of red. When he’s awake, he looks out with a penetrating stare. He hasn’t lost a single pound; on the contrary, he’s gained some.”
Speaking about his father's political career, Sharon claims in the book that he was the one who came up with the idea to unilaterally withdraw from Gaza, saying it had become impossible to protect the settlers residing there.
'Not only subversive, but also a coward'
Sharon does not spare harsh words when referring to his father's long time rival Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, claiming that during his previous term as prime minister he had promised to appoint his father as Finance Minister, but then reneged.
"Netanyahu summoned my father to a meeting in his office. Standing at the entrance to the room and putting an end to the shortest meeting in the history of the prime minister’s office, my father said to Netanyahu, ‘A liar you were and a liar you have remained.’ ”
The Prime Minister's Office had denied this claim.
Gilad Sharon also slams Netanyahu for his inconsistent behavior during the vote on the disengagement, saying that he first objected the move and insisted on holding a referendum, but later caved in and voted in favor.
This was a true manifestation of Netanyahu’s character,” Sharon writes in his biography. “Not only was he subversive, but he was also a coward.”
Responding to these claims, a Prime Minister's Office spokesperson stated that “Gilad Sharon has a long history of being highly critical of Prime Minister Netanyahu, and these charges are neither new nor surprising.”
The spokesperson added that the vote referred to by Gilad Sharon was only procedural, and that in the actual vote Mr. Netanyahu voted against the disengagement and left the government.
http://www.ynetnews
Former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has been in a deep coma for nearly six years, after suffering a massive stroke that almost ended his life, but on Thursday, his son, Gilad Sharon, said in a telephone interview with the New York Times that "when he is awake, he looks at me and moves fingers when I ask him to.
In his forthcoming biography, titled “Sharon: The Life of a Leader,” due out on Tuesday, the former prime minister's son writes that his father, who was transferred to the family's ranch a year ago but taken back to the hospital shortly afterwards, “lies in bed, looking like the lord of the manor, sleeping tranquilly.
"Large, strong, self assured. His cheeks are a healthy shade of red. When he’s awake, he looks out with a penetrating stare. He hasn’t lost a single pound; on the contrary, he’s gained some.”
Speaking about his father's political career, Sharon claims in the book that he was the one who came up with the idea to unilaterally withdraw from Gaza, saying it had become impossible to protect the settlers residing there.
'Not only subversive, but also a coward'
Sharon does not spare harsh words when referring to his father's long time rival Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, claiming that during his previous term as prime minister he had promised to appoint his father as Finance Minister, but then reneged.
"Netanyahu summoned my father to a meeting in his office. Standing at the entrance to the room and putting an end to the shortest meeting in the history of the prime minister’s office, my father said to Netanyahu, ‘A liar you were and a liar you have remained.’ ”
The Prime Minister's Office had denied this claim.
Gilad Sharon also slams Netanyahu for his inconsistent behavior during the vote on the disengagement, saying that he first objected the move and insisted on holding a referendum, but later caved in and voted in favor.
This was a true manifestation of Netanyahu’s character,” Sharon writes in his biography. “Not only was he subversive, but he was also a coward.”
Responding to these claims, a Prime Minister's Office spokesperson stated that “Gilad Sharon has a long history of being highly critical of Prime Minister Netanyahu, and these charges are neither new nor surprising.”
The spokesperson added that the vote referred to by Gilad Sharon was only procedural, and that in the actual vote Mr. Netanyahu voted against the disengagement and left the government.
http://www.ynetnews
1 feb 2011
Ariel, Gilad and Omri Sharon
Police have enough evidence to indict the two sons of former Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon in connection with a multi-million-dollar bribery scandal, media reports said on Tuesday.
The Ynet website, quoting police sources, said investigators had "a basis of evidence" against Omri and Gilad Sharon and that the case would be sent to the attorney general to decide whether charges will be filed.
Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said he no information on the reports, which alleged that the two had served as a conduit for a bribe of around £4.5 million paid to Sharon by Austrian financier Martin Schlaff.
Police first began investigating allegations of bribery linked to the Sharon family in 2003 and soon established a connection with Schlaff and South African businessman Cyril Kern.
In December 2005, they raided a Jerusalem house owned by Schlaff. A week later, they announced they had found evidence that the prime minister's family had received $3 million in bribes from the tycoon.
Twenty-four hours after the news broke, Sharon, now 82, suffered a massive stroke. He has never recovered and remains in a deep coma.
An Austrian Jewish investor, Schlaff is one of the main owners of the Oasis Casino in the West Bank city of Jericho. Reportedly one of the richest people in Austria, his name has repeatedly cropped up in connection with a number of top Israeli politicians.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=356288
Police have enough evidence to indict the two sons of former Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon in connection with a multi-million-dollar bribery scandal, media reports said on Tuesday.
The Ynet website, quoting police sources, said investigators had "a basis of evidence" against Omri and Gilad Sharon and that the case would be sent to the attorney general to decide whether charges will be filed.
Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said he no information on the reports, which alleged that the two had served as a conduit for a bribe of around £4.5 million paid to Sharon by Austrian financier Martin Schlaff.
Police first began investigating allegations of bribery linked to the Sharon family in 2003 and soon established a connection with Schlaff and South African businessman Cyril Kern.
In December 2005, they raided a Jerusalem house owned by Schlaff. A week later, they announced they had found evidence that the prime minister's family had received $3 million in bribes from the tycoon.
Twenty-four hours after the news broke, Sharon, now 82, suffered a massive stroke. He has never recovered and remains in a deep coma.
An Austrian Jewish investor, Schlaff is one of the main owners of the Oasis Casino in the West Bank city of Jericho. Reportedly one of the richest people in Austria, his name has repeatedly cropped up in connection with a number of top Israeli politicians.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=356288
19 nov 2010
recent film about Israel in the International Documentary Film Festival of Amsterdam.
According to Sluizer, who has made several documentaries about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, he saw Sharon killing two Palestinian children with a pistol in 1982, near the refugee camp Sabra-Shatilla in Lebanon. Sharon was an Israeli minister of defense at that time.
Sharon shot two children like you shoot rabbits, in front of my eyes, he added.
Sluizer gave more details and reported hat the children were two or three years old and that Sharon shot them from a distance of 10 meters with a pistol. However, he could not specify in which month the event occurred, but he thought it was in November.
Meanwhile, Israeli government's officials have been quick to deny accusations, claiming that the statement is not supported by a single shred of evidence and that it is very cruel to accuse Sharon of committing a murder when he cannot defend himself, Haaretz reported.
Firstly, Sharon would never shoot a child; secondly, he was not in Lebanon in November of 1982: and thirdly, protocol prohibits ministers from wearing weapons Sharon's successor as defense minister, Moshe Arens, explained.
In an interview for Haaretz, Sluizer defended his statement and said that after seeing the shooting, he had complained against Sharon in the International Court of Justice in Hague and the European Court of Human Right in Strasbourg, in 1983.
However, Israeli officials pointed out that no evidences that support that complaint have been found and added that they have warned the Dutch magazine to be careful when publishing anything that is not corroborated.
Sharon is currently in a permanent vegetative state after suffering a stroke in January 2006.
http://bit.ly/Hlo
According to Sluizer, who has made several documentaries about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, he saw Sharon killing two Palestinian children with a pistol in 1982, near the refugee camp Sabra-Shatilla in Lebanon. Sharon was an Israeli minister of defense at that time.
Sharon shot two children like you shoot rabbits, in front of my eyes, he added.
Sluizer gave more details and reported hat the children were two or three years old and that Sharon shot them from a distance of 10 meters with a pistol. However, he could not specify in which month the event occurred, but he thought it was in November.
Meanwhile, Israeli government's officials have been quick to deny accusations, claiming that the statement is not supported by a single shred of evidence and that it is very cruel to accuse Sharon of committing a murder when he cannot defend himself, Haaretz reported.
Firstly, Sharon would never shoot a child; secondly, he was not in Lebanon in November of 1982: and thirdly, protocol prohibits ministers from wearing weapons Sharon's successor as defense minister, Moshe Arens, explained.
In an interview for Haaretz, Sluizer defended his statement and said that after seeing the shooting, he had complained against Sharon in the International Court of Justice in Hague and the European Court of Human Right in Strasbourg, in 1983.
However, Israeli officials pointed out that no evidences that support that complaint have been found and added that they have warned the Dutch magazine to be careful when publishing anything that is not corroborated.
Sharon is currently in a permanent vegetative state after suffering a stroke in January 2006.
http://bit.ly/Hlo
5 oct 2010
Witness in corruption case claims US businessman rejoiced when former
PM fell into a coma, said "I bet on the right guy!" after giving
Olmert money.
David Friedland, a business partner of Morris Talansky, said in court on Tuesday for former prime minister Ehud Olmert's corruption trial that Talansky celebrated when former prime minister Ariel Sharon fell into a coma.
"I bet on the right guy," Friedland claimed Talansky said, when Olmert replaced Sharon. "The country is mine."
Talansky, an New York businessman, has testified that he gave Olmert and his former aide Shula Zaken money, but contradicted himself in describing how much money and how many envelopes he transferred to them.
Friedland said that the two were in the office, reading Israeli news sites. He said he was sad to hear the news, but Talansky began to dance from joy.
"I told him to get out of here, that it's inappropriate," Friedland said. "His wife told him to 'get the hell out of here.' It was weird." Friedland added that the next day, Talansky told him that he'd been funding Olmert for years, and would buy him ties and cigars.
Friedland also said that "Talansky opened doors for us. He knew the whole world. He had a phone book that no one could compete with."
"He said that these politicians are corrupt," Friedland explained. "He said that he's connected to Olmert thorugh money. We weren't friends - there's a 40 year age difference between us. He just wanted to explain why he behaved the way he did."
Friedland also recalled that Talansky sent an envelope with $10,000 in cash to Olmert.
In reaction, Olmert's advisor Amir Dan said: "This is not backed up by any proof. It's strange that the prosecution brought a witness that is saying that the central withness, Talansky, is odd, a liar and not trustworthy."
http://www.jpost
David Friedland, a business partner of Morris Talansky, said in court on Tuesday for former prime minister Ehud Olmert's corruption trial that Talansky celebrated when former prime minister Ariel Sharon fell into a coma.
"I bet on the right guy," Friedland claimed Talansky said, when Olmert replaced Sharon. "The country is mine."
Talansky, an New York businessman, has testified that he gave Olmert and his former aide Shula Zaken money, but contradicted himself in describing how much money and how many envelopes he transferred to them.
Friedland said that the two were in the office, reading Israeli news sites. He said he was sad to hear the news, but Talansky began to dance from joy.
"I told him to get out of here, that it's inappropriate," Friedland said. "His wife told him to 'get the hell out of here.' It was weird." Friedland added that the next day, Talansky told him that he'd been funding Olmert for years, and would buy him ties and cigars.
Friedland also said that "Talansky opened doors for us. He knew the whole world. He had a phone book that no one could compete with."
"He said that these politicians are corrupt," Friedland explained. "He said that he's connected to Olmert thorugh money. We weren't friends - there's a 40 year age difference between us. He just wanted to explain why he behaved the way he did."
Friedland also recalled that Talansky sent an envelope with $10,000 in cash to Olmert.
In reaction, Olmert's advisor Amir Dan said: "This is not backed up by any proof. It's strange that the prosecution brought a witness that is saying that the central withness, Talansky, is odd, a liar and not trustworthy."
http://www.jpost
7 sept 2010
Ariel Sharon's Message to the Palestinians
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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed concern Monday that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas would abandon the peace process, after the latter declared that he would not concede to Israel on a number of core issues and would refuse to continue negotiations should construction resume in West Bank settlements.
The Palestinian president also vowed to cut off direct negotiations with Israel if construction were to resume in West Bank settlements and said he would refuse to bring to the table with Netanyahu recognition of Israel as a Jewish state. Abbas would not be able to give up Palestinian sovereignty in East Jerusalem and especially the Temple Mount, but large Jewish neighborhoods would be retained by Israel. If this much is achieved, |
Abbas will be able to agree that the refugee issue will be resolved primarily within the borders of the new Palestinian state, with only a few tens of thousands receiving Israeli citizenship as a humanitarian gesture.
The United States President, Barack Obama met separately with Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Abbas as well as Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Jordan's King Abdullah II.
They are all to meet at a dinner at the White House tonight. Tomorrow the parties are scheduled to meet with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and officially announce the beginning of direct talks. The talks come at time when Hamas has violently expressed its objection to any negotiations with Israel.
This clip is from December 2002, I can't find the transcript.
Ariel Sharon June, 2003:
The government and people of Israel welcome the opportunity to renew direct negotiations according to the steps of the road map as adopted by the Israeli government to achieve this vision.
It is in Israel's interest not to govern the Palestinians, but for the Palestinians to govern themselves in their own state. A democratic Palestinian state fully at peace with Israel will promote the long-term security and well-being of Israel as a Jewish state.
There can be no peace, however, without the abandonment and elimination of terrorism, violence and incitement. We will work alongside the Palestinians and other states to fight terrorism, violence and incitement of all kinds.
As all parties perform their obligations, we will seek to restore normal Palestinian life, improve the humanitarian situation, rebuild trust and promote progress toward the president's vision. We will act in a manner that respects the dignity as well as the human rights of all people.
We can also reassure our Palestinian partners that we understand the importance of territorial contiguity in the West Bank for a viable Palestinian state ...
We accept the principle that no unilateral actions by any party can prejudge the outcome of our negotiations.
In regard to the unauthorized outposts, I want to reiterate that Israel is a society governed by the rule of law. Thus, we will immediately begin to remove unauthorized outposts.
Israel seeks peace with all its Arab neighbors. Israel is prepared to negotiate in good faith wherever there are partners. As normal relations are established, I am confident that they will find in Israel a neighbor and a people committed to comprehensive peace and prosperity for all the peoples of the region.
The United States President, Barack Obama met separately with Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Abbas as well as Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Jordan's King Abdullah II.
They are all to meet at a dinner at the White House tonight. Tomorrow the parties are scheduled to meet with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and officially announce the beginning of direct talks. The talks come at time when Hamas has violently expressed its objection to any negotiations with Israel.
This clip is from December 2002, I can't find the transcript.
Ariel Sharon June, 2003:
The government and people of Israel welcome the opportunity to renew direct negotiations according to the steps of the road map as adopted by the Israeli government to achieve this vision.
It is in Israel's interest not to govern the Palestinians, but for the Palestinians to govern themselves in their own state. A democratic Palestinian state fully at peace with Israel will promote the long-term security and well-being of Israel as a Jewish state.
There can be no peace, however, without the abandonment and elimination of terrorism, violence and incitement. We will work alongside the Palestinians and other states to fight terrorism, violence and incitement of all kinds.
As all parties perform their obligations, we will seek to restore normal Palestinian life, improve the humanitarian situation, rebuild trust and promote progress toward the president's vision. We will act in a manner that respects the dignity as well as the human rights of all people.
We can also reassure our Palestinian partners that we understand the importance of territorial contiguity in the West Bank for a viable Palestinian state ...
We accept the principle that no unilateral actions by any party can prejudge the outcome of our negotiations.
In regard to the unauthorized outposts, I want to reiterate that Israel is a society governed by the rule of law. Thus, we will immediately begin to remove unauthorized outposts.
Israel seeks peace with all its Arab neighbors. Israel is prepared to negotiate in good faith wherever there are partners. As normal relations are established, I am confident that they will find in Israel a neighbor and a people committed to comprehensive peace and prosperity for all the peoples of the region.
An Austrian billionaire has reportedly paid 4.5 million dollars in bribes to the sons of former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, Israeli police say.
Israel's national fraud squad said Martin Schlaff may be indicted on bribery charges for paying money to Gilad and Omri Sharon, Haaretz reported on Tuesday.
"This is one of the gravest corruption affairs investigated by the fraud squad," Commander Nahum Levi, who headed the investigation, said.
The Austrian authorities for years refused to let Israel depose Schlaff, claiming that the Israeli police lacked sufficient evidence to justify such a move.
Israeli officials, however, suspected that Schlaff's strong connections with Austria's top political leaders was behind the official excuse.
Schlaff, who is a major investor, is one of the main owners of the Oasis Casino in the West Bank.
Israeli investigators are also pressing for Sharon's sons to be indicted for serving as a conduit for a bribe, Haaretz said.
Police first began investigating allegations of bribery linked to the Sharon family in 2003, following which a connection with Schlaff was soon established.
The results of the seven-year corruption probe have been passed on to the office of the state prosecutor as well as to the head of the police investigations department.
http://www.presstv
Israel's national fraud squad said Martin Schlaff may be indicted on bribery charges for paying money to Gilad and Omri Sharon, Haaretz reported on Tuesday.
"This is one of the gravest corruption affairs investigated by the fraud squad," Commander Nahum Levi, who headed the investigation, said.
The Austrian authorities for years refused to let Israel depose Schlaff, claiming that the Israeli police lacked sufficient evidence to justify such a move.
Israeli officials, however, suspected that Schlaff's strong connections with Austria's top political leaders was behind the official excuse.
Schlaff, who is a major investor, is one of the main owners of the Oasis Casino in the West Bank.
Israeli investigators are also pressing for Sharon's sons to be indicted for serving as a conduit for a bribe, Haaretz said.
Police first began investigating allegations of bribery linked to the Sharon family in 2003, following which a connection with Schlaff was soon established.
The results of the seven-year corruption probe have been passed on to the office of the state prosecutor as well as to the head of the police investigations department.
http://www.presstv
7 apr 2008
Ariel Sharon's final combat
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