Mazuz warns Mofaz of using public resources
צילום: גיל יוחנן
Mazuz to Mofaz: Do not use ministry for campaign
Attorney general warns defense minister to refrain from using office for political activities pertaining to his candidacy for Likud leadership, after Central Committee members receive letter with telephone numbers, addresses of ministry workers
Attorney General Menachem Mazuz has warned Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz to refrain from using his office staff for his own political needs leading up to Likud primaries for party leadership.
Mazuz's assistant Eliad Vinshell approached Mofaz's legal advisor Tzvia Gross, after a letter was sent to Likud Central Committee members listing the telephone numbers and addresses of Mofaz's office staff for their convenience.
The attorney general's office received an anonymous call regarding a letter sent by a foundation called "Citizens Supporting Mofaz" to all central committee members, saying "For your convenience, attached is a list of people who can assist you."
The list included state workers defined as "office staff," which included Defense Ministry telephone numbers and address.
In a letter to Mofaz, the attorney general requested the minister distinguish between his activities within the framework of his position as defense minister and his political aspirations, "in order to prevent false impressions that a public figure used public resources to advance his own personal issues."
Mazuz also said in the letter that it cannot be assumed that public resources were used for political gains and that Mofaz or one of his assistants were aware that such a letter was sent to Likud members.
However, he added that such a letter may be misleading to the public and evoke thought that such a foundation was operating from Mofaz's office.
"There is no such indication that any staff was involved in sending the letter and so it is enough to clarify these issues to them and issue a warning regarding the legal restrictions of political activities," the letter read.
"You must clarify to the staff of their duties to prevent handling personal requests by Central Committee members. Violating their duties constitutes a behavioral violation which may even lead to a criminal offense."
