Dozens of Israeli officials arrested in corruption probe

Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman founded the far right Yisrael Beiteinu. | Photo: Reuters

One of Israel's far-right parties has been hit by a bribery scandal just months out from elections.

Dozens of serving and retired Israeli politicians were arrested Thursday, in what is already being described as one of the largest corruption scandals in the nation's history. At least 30 suspects have been rounded up after a year-long investigation into what Israeli newspaper Haaretz described as a “well-oiled system of bribery.”

According to the newspaper, the bribery ring centered “around a single political party, Yisrael Beiteinu.”

A far right party, Beiteinu was founded by Israel's current foreign minister, Avigdor Lieberman. The party has been accused of discriminating against Arab Israelis, while in the past Lieberman has pushed for the government to be more aggressive towards Palestinian party, Hamas.

Police allege public funds were secretly diverted to organizations with close ties to the far right party. High ranking party officials including Beiteinu's central committee leader, an agricultural ministry spokesperson and a former campaign head are all under investigation, according to police.

Other government officials caught up in the investigation include deputy interior minister Faina Kirshenbaum, who was questioned by police, according to Al Jazeera.

Lieberman himself hasn't commented on the investigation, amid speculation the arrests could hamstring his party in Israel's upcoming elections in March.

Israel's military radio station has reported as many as 40 percent of Beiteinu voters are mulling withdrawing their support due to the scandal, based on a recent opinion poll.

The early elections were called this month by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, after he accused a handful of ministers of refusing to work with his government. Lieberman has been among those highly critical of Netanyahu.

While Beiteinu ran on a joint list with Netanyahu's Likud party in the 2013 elections, in July Lieberman announced the two parties would break their partnership due to political disagreements.

While Likud party insiders told Israeli media Lieberman instigated the separation to boost his stumbling approval rating, the minister himself accused Netanyahu of being too soft on Hamas.

Since then, he has attacked the prime minister for failing to make any diplomatic progress with Palestinians. He warned continued failure at the negotiating table could lead to Israel becoming increasingly isolated from its key trade partner, the European Union.

“When diplomatic relations deteriorate, you see what happens to the economy. I can cite the example closest to me, that of Russia,” he said, according to Haaretz.

The E.U. has increasingly demanded Israelis and Palestinians reach a solid peace deal.

However, Lieberman himself is no stranger to allegations of misconduct. In late 2012 his first stint as foreign minister was cut short when he was charged with breach of trust and fraud.

Shortly after he was acquitted in November 2013, he resumed his position as foreign minister.

Source URL