The Movement for Quality Government in Israel filed a petition to the High Court of Justice on Monday, demanding that Finance Minister Abraham Hirchson be suspended following an investigation
into allegations of embezzlement.
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In the petition, the High Court was asked to take out a show-cause order against Prime Minister Ehud Olmert
to explain why Hirchson has not yet been suspended from his position.
The movement demanded a similar order also be issued against Olmert, Hirchson and Attorney General Menachem Mazuz to explain why the minister has not declared a temporary leave of absence.
The petition argued that the investigation has severely harmed the public's faith in the government, and would continue to do so as long as Hirchson stayed on as minister due to the serious nature of the allegations.
The movement demanded that an urgent hearing be held for its petition, and that Hirchson not be involved in any decision concerning the Public Security Ministry and Israel Police, until a verdict to the petition is given.
"Indeed, no decision has been made and no indictment has been filed against the finance minister, and the movement does not seek his dismissal, but only temporary steps," said the petition.
Hirchson's aides, meanwhile, said that he would resign from his position if the attorney general ordered him to do so.
As of yet, the attorney general has not ruled that there is sufficient evidence to demand such a step.
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