Investigation prompts Tirkel committee resignation
Tamar Ben-David, a member of the committee considering Yaakov Ganot's controversial appointment as police commissioner, resigns after being questioned by police in Bank Leumi affair
Tamar Ben-David, a member of the committee charged with approving high-level government appointments, also known as the Tirkel Committee, resigned on Sunday.
Ben-David will therefore not participate in deliberations on the controversial appointment of Prison Service head Yaakov Ganot, acquitted 13 years ago on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust, as police commissioner. Ben-David's resignation follows her questioning by police as part of the inquiry into the sale of a controlling stake in Bank Leumi in 2005.
Judge Yaakov Tirkel told Ynet that the committee would meet towards the end of the week to discuss the Ganot appointment. He said the resignation would not delay deliberations on the appointment of a new police commissioner.
Ben-David, a lawyer considered close to Olmert, works for a law office founded by Yosef Gross, Olmert's father-in-law. She was questioned under caution on Sunday as part of the investigation into alleged illegal favoritism in the privatization of Bank Leumi. After questioning she was released with restrictive conditions.
Ben-David represented the Lowy group during the sale of Bank Leumi. The police are investigating whether Olmert, when Finance Minister, illegally modified tender conditions to favor the group's bid.
Ben David confirmed on Monday morning that she had resigned from the Tirkel Committee, adding that she had done so "to prevent loose-lipped gossip."
