Olmert to Mazuz: investigate state comptroller

Conflict between Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and State Comptroller Micha Lindenstrauss escalated Monday, as the PM asked that a criminal investigation be opened against Lindenstrauss by Attorney General Menachem Mazuz.

Olmert's attorneys approached Mazuz asking he launches an inquiry against the state comptroller for alleged abuse of power. The appeal came on heals of Mazuz's investigation of the purchase of an apartment in upscale Jerusalem neighborhood in 2004.

"…You are herby asked to launch an official investigation against him (Lindenstrauss), seeing how his conduct, consistent leaking of reports' drafts, and constant disregard for the prime minister may be perceived as breaking the law," said Olmert's attorneys' letter to the attorney general.

Lindenstrauss' report concerning the purchase of a Jerusalem apartment stated the material had "potential for a criminal investigation," and said the fact must be probed further by advanced means. He also stressed Olmert did not respond to the allegations rising from the probe.

About a year ago it was reported that during his tenure as industry, trade and labor minister Olmert received a $320,000 discount on an apartment on Cremieux Street in exchange for expediting construction permits, using his contacts as a former Jerusalem mayor.

However, real-estate agents familiar with the market said that the price charged for the apartment at the time was reasonable.

The state comptroller office looked into the possibility the PM's purchase was meant to speed up the project, which was stalled at the time. 

MKs slam Olmert

Knesset members from across the political spectrum harshly criticized Olmert's letter.

According to Meretz Chairman Yossi Beilin, Olmert's complaint against the state comptroller "proves that he is no longer capable of fulfilling his role as prime minister and make important decisions."

MK Arieh Eldad (National Union-NRP) said that Olmert's request that the attorney general launch an investigation against the comptroller was a "pathetic spin by a failed and corrupt prime minister."

MK Ophir Pines (Labor), said, "On his way down, Olmert tries to drag the rule of law and the principles of democracy with him… This conduct illustrates how important it is for the Labor Party to demand Olmert's replacement as a condition for staying in the government."

MK Avshalom Vilan (Meretz), added, "I remind the prime minister that he has a country to run. As long as he is in his post, he should immediately withdraw this petty and embarrassing complaint against the comptroller, and stop behaving like a second class lawyer."

Meanwhile, head of the Knesset's State Control Committee, MK Zevulun Orlev (National Union-NRP) said that the committee would fully support the comptroller.