Police will recommend standing Minister Tzachi Hanegbi on trial, and is expected to announce this in the next few days, Ynet has learned.
The investigation against Hanegbi, who is acting as temporary Likud party chairman following Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's departure, was launched following a report by the State Comptroller on appointments in the Environment Ministry, formerly headed by Hanegbi.
The report, published in 2004, caused Attorney General Menachem Mazuz to begin an investigation against Hanegbi, causing him to resign from his position.
Hanegbi is now a minister without portfolio.
The Comptroller’s report pointed to a series of political appointments in Hanegbi’s office.
Former State Comptroller Eliezer Goldberg unambiguously said that there were “gross violations of the law and of proper management” under Hanegbi’s watch, as well as a “politicization of the public sector, and a use of public funds to advance personal political interests.”
Dozens of political appointments were made under Hanegbi’s term as environment minister, between January 2001 until March 2003.
Likud Central Committee members and their associates were appointed to a variety of roles that do not require tenure.
RSS
