9 apr 2016
5 apr 2016
Israeli police arrested two right-wing Jewish Israelis on Tuesday after they attempted to sneak into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound disguised as Muslims, locals and Israeli police said.
Israeli police spokeswoman Luba al-Samri said in a statement that midday Tuesday Israeli police officers suspected two young men approaching the King Faisal gate of Al-Aqsa Mosque compound.
The officers approached the two for inspection, who said they were Muslims heading to the Al-Aqsa mosque. The officers checked their identification documents to reveal that they were 21-year-old Jewish Israelis.
They were arrested and taken to al-Qishla police station in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City for questioning, al-Samri added.
The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, which sits just above the Western Wall plaza, houses both the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa mosque.
The third holiest site in Islam, it is also venerated as Judaism's most holy place, as it sits where Jews believe the First and Second Temples once stood. The Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD.
Following Israeli annexation of East Jerusalem in 1967, Israel has maintained a compromise with the Islamic trust that controls the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound to not allow non-Muslim prayers in the area.
Israeli forces regularly escort Jewish visitors to the site, however, leading to tension with Palestinian worshipers.
Israeli police spokeswoman Luba al-Samri said in a statement that midday Tuesday Israeli police officers suspected two young men approaching the King Faisal gate of Al-Aqsa Mosque compound.
The officers approached the two for inspection, who said they were Muslims heading to the Al-Aqsa mosque. The officers checked their identification documents to reveal that they were 21-year-old Jewish Israelis.
They were arrested and taken to al-Qishla police station in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City for questioning, al-Samri added.
The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, which sits just above the Western Wall plaza, houses both the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa mosque.
The third holiest site in Islam, it is also venerated as Judaism's most holy place, as it sits where Jews believe the First and Second Temples once stood. The Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD.
Following Israeli annexation of East Jerusalem in 1967, Israel has maintained a compromise with the Islamic trust that controls the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound to not allow non-Muslim prayers in the area.
Israeli forces regularly escort Jewish visitors to the site, however, leading to tension with Palestinian worshipers.
3 apr 2016
The radical right-wing activist's family are planning to appeal the decision at the High Court of Justice; his wife refuses to have the ceremony in jail.
Administrative detainee Meir Ettinger will not be allowed to leave detention to attend the ritual circumcision of his first-born son, the Be'er Sheva District Court decided Sunday.
Administrative detainee Meir Ettinger will not be allowed to leave detention to attend the ritual circumcision of his first-born son, the Be'er Sheva District Court decided Sunday.
Ettinger's wife Moriya said she was not willing to hold the circumcision ceremony at the jail, adding they are planning on appealing the decision at the High Court of Justice.
"Meir hasn't seen the baby since he was born," Moriya Ettinger said. "It's very difficult."
The Ettinger family was looking into the possibility of holding the circumcision ceremony close to the Eshel Prison where Meir is imprisoned or in Be'er Sheva, in an effort to make the Israel Prison Service's security arrangement easier.
Another option being considered is holding the event at Kfar Chabad or in Jerusalem, where more family and friends could be invited.
Judge Israel Pablo Akselrad noted in his ruling that there is a risk to releasing Ettinger, the grandson of Rabbi Meir Kahane, for the ritual circumcision, and in the meeting with his family and friends.
Honenu attorney Sima Kochav, who represents Ettinger, said the family was willing to have his participation in the event done according to the conditions set by the IPS.
"We feel that those entrusted with approving the request were not acting with integrity," she said. "Ettinger is being persecuted by authorities and he's not even a criminal prisoner, but an administrative one. Dangerous criminal prisoners go on furlough while Meir Ettinger sits behind bars solely because of his ideological views and not because he poses a specific risk. There's no reason to prevent him from attending the circumcision ceremony."
Ettinger is on administrative detention following an investigation by the Shin Bet's Jewish Division, which claims that he was the main force behind the hilltop youth's "price tag" activities against Palestinians in the West Bank.
Ettinger's initial administrative detention order issued against him was for six months, following which it was extended two months ago by four additional months.
Ettinger allegedly heads a cell that planned to carry out a series of violent acts against Palestinians as part of what he called "the rebellion". According to his view, unrest must be fostered among the Palestinians in order to bring about the overthrow of the regime in Israel, thus creating anarchy. Israeli regime in Israel and anarchy. "Ideological foundations of Zionism are built for a country like all the nations and the kingdom of Israel ... much cheaper and faster to destroy it and rebuild than to renovate it."
"The meaning of bringing down the state is toppling the structure of the state and its ability to rule, and to build a new institution," wrote Ettinger in a document outlining his plan.
"To this end, we must work outside of the rules of the institution we want to bring down."
"Meir hasn't seen the baby since he was born," Moriya Ettinger said. "It's very difficult."
The Ettinger family was looking into the possibility of holding the circumcision ceremony close to the Eshel Prison where Meir is imprisoned or in Be'er Sheva, in an effort to make the Israel Prison Service's security arrangement easier.
Another option being considered is holding the event at Kfar Chabad or in Jerusalem, where more family and friends could be invited.
Judge Israel Pablo Akselrad noted in his ruling that there is a risk to releasing Ettinger, the grandson of Rabbi Meir Kahane, for the ritual circumcision, and in the meeting with his family and friends.
Honenu attorney Sima Kochav, who represents Ettinger, said the family was willing to have his participation in the event done according to the conditions set by the IPS.
"We feel that those entrusted with approving the request were not acting with integrity," she said. "Ettinger is being persecuted by authorities and he's not even a criminal prisoner, but an administrative one. Dangerous criminal prisoners go on furlough while Meir Ettinger sits behind bars solely because of his ideological views and not because he poses a specific risk. There's no reason to prevent him from attending the circumcision ceremony."
Ettinger is on administrative detention following an investigation by the Shin Bet's Jewish Division, which claims that he was the main force behind the hilltop youth's "price tag" activities against Palestinians in the West Bank.
Ettinger's initial administrative detention order issued against him was for six months, following which it was extended two months ago by four additional months.
Ettinger allegedly heads a cell that planned to carry out a series of violent acts against Palestinians as part of what he called "the rebellion". According to his view, unrest must be fostered among the Palestinians in order to bring about the overthrow of the regime in Israel, thus creating anarchy. Israeli regime in Israel and anarchy. "Ideological foundations of Zionism are built for a country like all the nations and the kingdom of Israel ... much cheaper and faster to destroy it and rebuild than to renovate it."
"The meaning of bringing down the state is toppling the structure of the state and its ability to rule, and to build a new institution," wrote Ettinger in a document outlining his plan.
"To this end, we must work outside of the rules of the institution we want to bring down."
2 apr 2016
Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel allegedly has refused to transfer NIS 42 million to Israeli communities on the Gaza border because other funds have been withheld from the West Bank; Ariel countered that he simply wants to transfer the money as efficiently as possible.
Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel (Bayit Yehudi) has allegedly blocked the transfer of funds meant for the development of Israeli communities on the Gaza border because other funds have been withheld from settlements in the West Bank, officials in the Knesset's Finance Committee conjectured earlier this week.
After Operation Protective Edge, the Israeli government approved a strategic multi-year plan to transfer hundreds of millions of shekels to develop Sderot and other southern Israeli communities in the Gaza border region. However, it recently became clear that the implementation of the plan has been delayed for political consideration.
When Israel has previously attempted to develop a geographic region quickly, it often turned to the World Zionist Organization's Settlement Division, a fast-moving and quality contractor that is exempt from submitting tenders. Thus, the government decided to authorize the Settlement Division to carry out a number of projects to rehabilitate the Gaza border region after Operation Protective Edge in 2014. The main projects include a NIS 34 million budget to renovate the infrastructure of rural communities and a NIS 8 million budget to install backup generators for emergencies.
However, after the Yisrael Beytenu corruption case and reports of corruption in the Settlements Division, the Justice Ministry stalled the transfer of all budgets to the Settlements Division and froze the Gaza border region development plan. Thus, the Finance Ministry has decided to transfer the funds directly to council leaders, who will hire the same contractors as the Settlement Division to carry out the projects.
But Ariel has refused to allow the funds to be transferred directly to the Gaza border region community leaders.
MK Haim Yellin (Yesh Atid), who served previously as the head of the Eshkol Council, said, "The implementation of the plan is being delayed because of politics, and the Gaza border region residents are suffering because of it. Uri Ariel is politicking and preventing the basic needs and security infrastructure from the Gaza border region simply out of narrow sector-related considerations."
Following a report on Yedioth Ahronoth on Wednesday, MK Stav Shaffir (Zionist Union) asked the minister on the Knesset floor why he wasn't permitting the transfer of funds directly to the councils.
Ariel replied, "These are important projects. I am not minimizing their importance. Everyone knows, including the heads of the regional councils, that it's better to execute them through the (Settlement) Division."
When pressed by Shaffir for a direct answer to his question, Ariel replied, "I'll look into it."
On Thursday, the minister met with the leaders of the regional councils in the Gaza border region, following which he announced, "The government and the Agriculture Ministry are working in close collaboration with the council heads, and, heaven forbid, we are not delaying even a shekel from reaching the residents of the Gaza border region."
Ariel added that he and the government were working to transfer the money to the region "in the fastest and most efficient way possible: via the Settlement Division."
Related
Related
Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel (Bayit Yehudi) has allegedly blocked the transfer of funds meant for the development of Israeli communities on the Gaza border because other funds have been withheld from settlements in the West Bank, officials in the Knesset's Finance Committee conjectured earlier this week.
After Operation Protective Edge, the Israeli government approved a strategic multi-year plan to transfer hundreds of millions of shekels to develop Sderot and other southern Israeli communities in the Gaza border region. However, it recently became clear that the implementation of the plan has been delayed for political consideration.
When Israel has previously attempted to develop a geographic region quickly, it often turned to the World Zionist Organization's Settlement Division, a fast-moving and quality contractor that is exempt from submitting tenders. Thus, the government decided to authorize the Settlement Division to carry out a number of projects to rehabilitate the Gaza border region after Operation Protective Edge in 2014. The main projects include a NIS 34 million budget to renovate the infrastructure of rural communities and a NIS 8 million budget to install backup generators for emergencies.
However, after the Yisrael Beytenu corruption case and reports of corruption in the Settlements Division, the Justice Ministry stalled the transfer of all budgets to the Settlements Division and froze the Gaza border region development plan. Thus, the Finance Ministry has decided to transfer the funds directly to council leaders, who will hire the same contractors as the Settlement Division to carry out the projects.
But Ariel has refused to allow the funds to be transferred directly to the Gaza border region community leaders.
MK Haim Yellin (Yesh Atid), who served previously as the head of the Eshkol Council, said, "The implementation of the plan is being delayed because of politics, and the Gaza border region residents are suffering because of it. Uri Ariel is politicking and preventing the basic needs and security infrastructure from the Gaza border region simply out of narrow sector-related considerations."
Following a report on Yedioth Ahronoth on Wednesday, MK Stav Shaffir (Zionist Union) asked the minister on the Knesset floor why he wasn't permitting the transfer of funds directly to the councils.
Ariel replied, "These are important projects. I am not minimizing their importance. Everyone knows, including the heads of the regional councils, that it's better to execute them through the (Settlement) Division."
When pressed by Shaffir for a direct answer to his question, Ariel replied, "I'll look into it."
On Thursday, the minister met with the leaders of the regional councils in the Gaza border region, following which he announced, "The government and the Agriculture Ministry are working in close collaboration with the council heads, and, heaven forbid, we are not delaying even a shekel from reaching the residents of the Gaza border region."
Ariel added that he and the government were working to transfer the money to the region "in the fastest and most efficient way possible: via the Settlement Division."
Related
Related
31 mar 2016
The preliminary police inquiry into the Interior Minister has been upgraded to a full police investigation, the attorney general announced Thursday; Deri promises full cooperation and maintains his innocence.
The Attorney General has upgraded the preliminary police inquiry into Interior Minister Aryeh Deri to a full criminal investigation on Thursday night.
Earlier that day, a meeting took place between Attorney General Avichai Mendelblit, State Attorney Shai Nitzan and head of the Police Investigations Department Deputy Commissioner Meni Yitzhaki. During that meeting, the inquiry's material was presented, and the decision was made to open the investigation.
At this stage, a gag order is still in effect concerning the details of the suspicions against the Minister, who is also the leader of political party Shas. It seems likely that questions will be asked regarding real estate belonging to Deri and his family.
The first stage will be collecting evidence. The investigators will continue collecting documents and statements from persons connected to the case. Once the investigators have acquired sufficient material, Deri will likely be called in to answer their questions under caution.
The Minister's office says that he is prepared to fully cooperate with law enforcement and that he maintains his innocence.
About an hour before the investigation was announced, the Shas leader spoke in Tiberias and addressed his family's villa in Safsufa (located in northern Israel), which seems to be related to the investigation. Deri explained, "The Deri family loves the Galilee. (…) We don't like abroad; we prefer Israel and the Galilee. Yes, the Deri family decided to build a house in Safsufa where we can (go on) vacation. We all built it together, with the support of my mother and my brother, and it belongs equally to my children."
The Attorney General has upgraded the preliminary police inquiry into Interior Minister Aryeh Deri to a full criminal investigation on Thursday night.
Earlier that day, a meeting took place between Attorney General Avichai Mendelblit, State Attorney Shai Nitzan and head of the Police Investigations Department Deputy Commissioner Meni Yitzhaki. During that meeting, the inquiry's material was presented, and the decision was made to open the investigation.
At this stage, a gag order is still in effect concerning the details of the suspicions against the Minister, who is also the leader of political party Shas. It seems likely that questions will be asked regarding real estate belonging to Deri and his family.
The first stage will be collecting evidence. The investigators will continue collecting documents and statements from persons connected to the case. Once the investigators have acquired sufficient material, Deri will likely be called in to answer their questions under caution.
The Minister's office says that he is prepared to fully cooperate with law enforcement and that he maintains his innocence.
About an hour before the investigation was announced, the Shas leader spoke in Tiberias and addressed his family's villa in Safsufa (located in northern Israel), which seems to be related to the investigation. Deri explained, "The Deri family loves the Galilee. (…) We don't like abroad; we prefer Israel and the Galilee. Yes, the Deri family decided to build a house in Safsufa where we can (go on) vacation. We all built it together, with the support of my mother and my brother, and it belongs equally to my children."
The Knesset Opposition Leader had fierce words for those behind publicizing the police's investigation of his actions. He claimed his political opponents are to blame.
Knesset Opposition Leader Isaac Herzog strongly attacked those who are supposedly behind the publication of recent police suspicions that he violated the Parties Financing Law during the Israeli Labor Party's 2013 primary elections. "We are not suckers, and we understand well why this is happening, and whoever did this is going to receive a political kick that will teach them a lesson," Herzog said at a Thursday conference at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) in Tel Aviv. He hinted that people from inside his own party may be responsible for leaking the story.
"I suggest that everyone remain calm," Herzog said, "Every time, before a general or internal election, there are political actors who attempt to take us down and turn the police into a part of the campaigns they try and run at our expense. We know this way (of operating) well, we have dealt with it in the past, and we will respond forcefully to any attempt to make the police a part of any political campaign of any sort."
The Zionist Union Chair said that he is "not afraid of any examination or any investigation, and I will cooperate with any procedure. It's clear that this is an absurd smear, meant only to try and deter me from running (for reelection as party leader) and leading the Zionist Union, and to deflect me from the path in which we are progressing."
He continued, saying that the Zionist Union was going on their way "in order to change the dangerous direction in which Netanyahu and the extremist right are leading us. But I will persevere, and I will lead, and I will win, and we will make sure that those who operate via these methods will be exposed and regret the moment they chose this way."
"Over the years, I've proven to everyone, in our party and the public at large, that I'm no sucker, and I know how to kick when I need to," he added. "In the general election (of March 2015. -ed) I brought in a number of (Knesset seats) that no one even dreamt I would. I suggest that you not mistake the meaning of my smile. Those who try and harm me, those who try and harm us, will take a blow they won't forget."
Herzog is one of two senior politicians currently under police investigation. The other is Interior Minister Aryeh Deri, who was convicted and jailed for corruption charges in the past. The two men's cases do not appear to be connected. Opposition leader Netanyahu speaks
Knesset Opposition Leader Isaac Herzog strongly attacked those who are supposedly behind the publication of recent police suspicions that he violated the Parties Financing Law during the Israeli Labor Party's 2013 primary elections. "We are not suckers, and we understand well why this is happening, and whoever did this is going to receive a political kick that will teach them a lesson," Herzog said at a Thursday conference at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) in Tel Aviv. He hinted that people from inside his own party may be responsible for leaking the story.
"I suggest that everyone remain calm," Herzog said, "Every time, before a general or internal election, there are political actors who attempt to take us down and turn the police into a part of the campaigns they try and run at our expense. We know this way (of operating) well, we have dealt with it in the past, and we will respond forcefully to any attempt to make the police a part of any political campaign of any sort."
The Zionist Union Chair said that he is "not afraid of any examination or any investigation, and I will cooperate with any procedure. It's clear that this is an absurd smear, meant only to try and deter me from running (for reelection as party leader) and leading the Zionist Union, and to deflect me from the path in which we are progressing."
He continued, saying that the Zionist Union was going on their way "in order to change the dangerous direction in which Netanyahu and the extremist right are leading us. But I will persevere, and I will lead, and I will win, and we will make sure that those who operate via these methods will be exposed and regret the moment they chose this way."
"Over the years, I've proven to everyone, in our party and the public at large, that I'm no sucker, and I know how to kick when I need to," he added. "In the general election (of March 2015. -ed) I brought in a number of (Knesset seats) that no one even dreamt I would. I suggest that you not mistake the meaning of my smile. Those who try and harm me, those who try and harm us, will take a blow they won't forget."
Herzog is one of two senior politicians currently under police investigation. The other is Interior Minister Aryeh Deri, who was convicted and jailed for corruption charges in the past. The two men's cases do not appear to be connected. Opposition leader Netanyahu speaks
The Israeli magistrate court of Jerusalem on Thursday indicted two Israelis who issued death threats against Palestinian member of the Israeli Knesset Ahmad Tibi.
The indictment list issued on Thursday said that the two threatened Tibi, a Palestinian with Israeli citizenship, via Facebook posts in 2012 that read "you better run before you are killed" and "your end is near."
The lawyer of one of the Israelis said his client would prove in court that her statement did not constitute a criminal offense and that she had the right to express her opinion.
Ahmad Mhanna, a lawyer and Tibi’s parliamentary assistant, said "the mentioned threats, in addition to dozens of threats by extremists Jews against MK Tibi whether by mail or social media, reflect hostility and hatred against Arabs and Tibi, who is defending his people everywhere."
"We take these threats seriously, but that does not scare Dr. Tibi and he does not change his principles," he added.
Israeli public opinion has veered sharply to the right in recent years, with Palestinian citizens of Israel and Israeli leftists increasingly finding themselves the targets of hostility.
MKs Hanin Zoabi, Basel Ghattas, and Jamal Zahalqa -- who, like Tibi, are members of the Arab Joint List -- were suspended from their duties in February after they visited the families of Palestinians who were killed after attacking Israelis.
On Monday, the Knesset passed the first reading of a bill that would allow MKs to expel lawmakers, in what has been roundly condemned as a political campaign launched against the parliament's Palestinian members.
The bill -- an amendment to an existing law -- could see an MK suspended for "negating" the existence of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, incitement to racism, or supporting an armed struggle against Israel, according to the Association for Civil Rights (ACRI) in Israel.
The indictment list issued on Thursday said that the two threatened Tibi, a Palestinian with Israeli citizenship, via Facebook posts in 2012 that read "you better run before you are killed" and "your end is near."
The lawyer of one of the Israelis said his client would prove in court that her statement did not constitute a criminal offense and that she had the right to express her opinion.
Ahmad Mhanna, a lawyer and Tibi’s parliamentary assistant, said "the mentioned threats, in addition to dozens of threats by extremists Jews against MK Tibi whether by mail or social media, reflect hostility and hatred against Arabs and Tibi, who is defending his people everywhere."
"We take these threats seriously, but that does not scare Dr. Tibi and he does not change his principles," he added.
Israeli public opinion has veered sharply to the right in recent years, with Palestinian citizens of Israel and Israeli leftists increasingly finding themselves the targets of hostility.
MKs Hanin Zoabi, Basel Ghattas, and Jamal Zahalqa -- who, like Tibi, are members of the Arab Joint List -- were suspended from their duties in February after they visited the families of Palestinians who were killed after attacking Israelis.
On Monday, the Knesset passed the first reading of a bill that would allow MKs to expel lawmakers, in what has been roundly condemned as a political campaign launched against the parliament's Palestinian members.
The bill -- an amendment to an existing law -- could see an MK suspended for "negating" the existence of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, incitement to racism, or supporting an armed struggle against Israel, according to the Association for Civil Rights (ACRI) in Israel.
30 mar 2016
The father of a 17-year-old Palestinian believed to have been shot dead by an Israeli soldier during a demonstration in 2014 denied on Saturday Israeli media reports that a military investigation into his son’s death had been shut.
Siyam Nuwara told Ma’an that he met with an Israeli public prosecutor last week who said a court session was scheduled to take place on April 11. Nuwara said the media reports were “false rumors.”
Multiple Israeli media outlets reported Saturday evening that the case regarding Nadim Nuwara’s death had been closed due to a decision by the prosecution that there was not enough evidence from the incident to open an investigation.
Israeli daily Haaretz reported that the Israeli army notified human rights groups that Chief Army Prosecutor Sharon Afek “decided to shut the investigation” a few days prior on the basis that “no evidence” was found that the teen was killed by gunfire.
Nadim Siyam Nuwarah was shot and killed along with Muhammad Audah Abu al-Thahir, 15, in 2014 during a rally marking the 66th anniversary of the Nakba outside of the Ofer detention center near Ramallah.
Israeli security sources denied responsibility for the teens' deaths despite eye witnesses and video evidence of the incident, but an autopsy of Nuwara's body later showed the youth had been hit by Israeli forces.
Amnesty International condemned the killings, saying the Israeli army has "repeatedly resorted to extreme violence to respond to Palestinian protests against Israel's occupation, discriminatory policies, confiscation of land, and construction of unlawful settlements."
Months later an Israeli border policeman was arrested in connection to the fatal shootings, and an Israeli investigation reportedly revealed that live fire was used while Israeli forces were dispersing the protests.
Siyam Nuwara told Ma’an that he met with an Israeli public prosecutor last week who said a court session was scheduled to take place on April 11. Nuwara said the media reports were “false rumors.”
Multiple Israeli media outlets reported Saturday evening that the case regarding Nadim Nuwara’s death had been closed due to a decision by the prosecution that there was not enough evidence from the incident to open an investigation.
Israeli daily Haaretz reported that the Israeli army notified human rights groups that Chief Army Prosecutor Sharon Afek “decided to shut the investigation” a few days prior on the basis that “no evidence” was found that the teen was killed by gunfire.
Nadim Siyam Nuwarah was shot and killed along with Muhammad Audah Abu al-Thahir, 15, in 2014 during a rally marking the 66th anniversary of the Nakba outside of the Ofer detention center near Ramallah.
Israeli security sources denied responsibility for the teens' deaths despite eye witnesses and video evidence of the incident, but an autopsy of Nuwara's body later showed the youth had been hit by Israeli forces.
Amnesty International condemned the killings, saying the Israeli army has "repeatedly resorted to extreme violence to respond to Palestinian protests against Israel's occupation, discriminatory policies, confiscation of land, and construction of unlawful settlements."
Months later an Israeli border policeman was arrested in connection to the fatal shootings, and an Israeli investigation reportedly revealed that live fire was used while Israeli forces were dispersing the protests.
Zionist Union leader Isaac Herzog
Israel Police and Tax Authority are looking into suspicions the Opposition leader violated the Parties Financing Law during last Labor primaries; similar suspicions arose against him in 1999, but he chose to remain silent and the case was eventually closed.
The Israel Police and the Tax Authority are conducting a preliminary investigation against Opposition leader Isaac Herzog on suspicion he violated the Parties Financing Law during the last Labor party primary elections, the Justice Ministry confirmed on Wednesday.
At this point, police and the Tax Authority are collecting relevant documents with the help of other authorities.
The investigation is in its initial stages and police has not launched an official criminal investigation.
"I welcome the preliminary investigation that is being conducted, following the decision of the attorney general," Herzog said in response. "This is political slander that the Likud party and disgruntled activists tried to spread before the elections, and it was denied at the time. I'm certain the investigation will disprove these absurd claims once and for all. I will fully cooperate with whatever I'm asked to do, so the issue can be promptly clarified."
The Zionist Union leader served as the cabinet secretary in Ehud Barak's government following the 1999 elections. Allegations arose against Barak’s campaign of violating the Parties Financing Law, and Herzog was suspected of fundraising for the One Israel (Labor) party with the help of NGOs. At the time, he was questioned under warning and police recommended to indict him. But Herzog maintained silence, and the attorney general eventually decided to close the case, citing insufficient evidence.
He is the second member of Knesset to find himself under investigation this week. Police is examining suspicions against Interior Minister Aryeh Deri as well.
Israel Police and Tax Authority are looking into suspicions the Opposition leader violated the Parties Financing Law during last Labor primaries; similar suspicions arose against him in 1999, but he chose to remain silent and the case was eventually closed.
The Israel Police and the Tax Authority are conducting a preliminary investigation against Opposition leader Isaac Herzog on suspicion he violated the Parties Financing Law during the last Labor party primary elections, the Justice Ministry confirmed on Wednesday.
At this point, police and the Tax Authority are collecting relevant documents with the help of other authorities.
The investigation is in its initial stages and police has not launched an official criminal investigation.
"I welcome the preliminary investigation that is being conducted, following the decision of the attorney general," Herzog said in response. "This is political slander that the Likud party and disgruntled activists tried to spread before the elections, and it was denied at the time. I'm certain the investigation will disprove these absurd claims once and for all. I will fully cooperate with whatever I'm asked to do, so the issue can be promptly clarified."
The Zionist Union leader served as the cabinet secretary in Ehud Barak's government following the 1999 elections. Allegations arose against Barak’s campaign of violating the Parties Financing Law, and Herzog was suspected of fundraising for the One Israel (Labor) party with the help of NGOs. At the time, he was questioned under warning and police recommended to indict him. But Herzog maintained silence, and the attorney general eventually decided to close the case, citing insufficient evidence.
He is the second member of Knesset to find himself under investigation this week. Police is examining suspicions against Interior Minister Aryeh Deri as well.
Interior Minister Aryeh Deri says he will answer all questions asked of him; Deri: I spoke with the attorney general tonight and I demanded he lift the gag order against the publication of everything pertaining to my case.'
Attorney General Avichai Mendelblit opened an investigation into corruption allegations against Interior Minister Aryeh Deri, it was released for publication Wednesday morning.
Deri wrote on his Twitter account, "I spoke with the attorney general tonight and I demanded he lift the gag order against the publication of everything pertaining to my case. I informed him that I will answer all questions asked of me."
According to a Channel 2 report Wednesday evening, Deri has been accused of extensive corruption. Details of the case have been censored by a gag order and still cannot be published despite Deri's Twitter comment.
In a separate context, the Calcalist reported that the deputy chairman of the Jewish National Fund and Aryeh Deri's brother, Shlomo Deri, participated in a meeting between JNF representatives and Ministry for the Development of the Negev and Galilee representatives regarding the transfer of millions of shekels from the JNF to the government ministry. Even though Aryeh Deri is the Minister of Galilee and Negev development, his brother, Shlomo, still attended the meeting. Shlomo's primary job at the JNF is to serve as head of the education committee and does not work on funding and development projects.
The meeting took place last Monday with the JNF Chairman Dani Attar, JNF Director Meir Spiegler, Deputy Chairman Shlomo Deri, and other JNF representatives from the north. The parties discussed funding for support walls along roads near Rabbi Shimon Bar Yohai's grave. The cost of the project stands at NIS seven million and the meeting was convened to review how JNF could contribute to infrastructure and building projects.
Deri reacted to the allegations on Wednesday morning saying, "I was completely taken by surprise last night by last night's announcements, and as a result I turned to the attorney general and implored him to remove the gag order. I'm making myself available to anyone investigating, every minute and every hour. My one and only request is to do everythin to refute the allegations."
He also asked those in charge "to speed up the investigation and to step on the gas a bit so we can get back to our work as soon as possible. I will continue to work as usual."
Deri was forced to resign from the cabinet in 1993 for accepting $155,000 in bribes while serving as interior minister. He was sentenced in 1999 to four years in prison.
After thirteen years outside of politics, he returned to the leadership of the Shas party in October 2012.
Attorney General Avichai Mendelblit opened an investigation into corruption allegations against Interior Minister Aryeh Deri, it was released for publication Wednesday morning.
Deri wrote on his Twitter account, "I spoke with the attorney general tonight and I demanded he lift the gag order against the publication of everything pertaining to my case. I informed him that I will answer all questions asked of me."
According to a Channel 2 report Wednesday evening, Deri has been accused of extensive corruption. Details of the case have been censored by a gag order and still cannot be published despite Deri's Twitter comment.
In a separate context, the Calcalist reported that the deputy chairman of the Jewish National Fund and Aryeh Deri's brother, Shlomo Deri, participated in a meeting between JNF representatives and Ministry for the Development of the Negev and Galilee representatives regarding the transfer of millions of shekels from the JNF to the government ministry. Even though Aryeh Deri is the Minister of Galilee and Negev development, his brother, Shlomo, still attended the meeting. Shlomo's primary job at the JNF is to serve as head of the education committee and does not work on funding and development projects.
The meeting took place last Monday with the JNF Chairman Dani Attar, JNF Director Meir Spiegler, Deputy Chairman Shlomo Deri, and other JNF representatives from the north. The parties discussed funding for support walls along roads near Rabbi Shimon Bar Yohai's grave. The cost of the project stands at NIS seven million and the meeting was convened to review how JNF could contribute to infrastructure and building projects.
Deri reacted to the allegations on Wednesday morning saying, "I was completely taken by surprise last night by last night's announcements, and as a result I turned to the attorney general and implored him to remove the gag order. I'm making myself available to anyone investigating, every minute and every hour. My one and only request is to do everythin to refute the allegations."
He also asked those in charge "to speed up the investigation and to step on the gas a bit so we can get back to our work as soon as possible. I will continue to work as usual."
Deri was forced to resign from the cabinet in 1993 for accepting $155,000 in bribes while serving as interior minister. He was sentenced in 1999 to four years in prison.
After thirteen years outside of politics, he returned to the leadership of the Shas party in October 2012.
