There is already speculation as to what Shas leader and Deputy Prime Minister Eli Yishai will do in light of the State Comptroller’s report on the fatal Carmel fire that places responsibility on Yishai’s shoulders in his capacity as minister of the interior, the office in charge of the nation’s firefighting services. The report points a finger of blame at Yishai along with Finance Minister Dr. Yuval Shteinitz.

In December 2010, the worst fire in the history of the state broke out in the Carmel Forest, a fire that burned for days. Shortly after the fire erupted a bus carrying prison service cadets was caught in the blaze, and 42 people were burned alive. Over 10,000 people were compelled to leave their homes and an estimated 50,000 dumans (12,500 acres) of forestry were destroyed.

The main points of the report were revealed by Channel 2 News on Sunday night, January 29, 2012, telling the bereaved family members that the two senior cabinet ministers share the blame for the disaster. The state comptroller, retired justice Micha Lindenstrauss calls for stern disciplinary action against the two.

While Yishai stated his office did everything possible to provide adequate firefighting services to the area, Lindenstrauss rejected the contention as well as blaming the treasury for failing to transfer required funds for the purchase of firefighting equipment and services. Treasury officials add that 100 million NIS was transferred to Yishai office, but the latter held up the funds and therefore, he alone should be held accountable. Nevertheless, after the comprehensive investigation, the state comptroller blames both ministers.

While the state comptroller did not hold them personally responsible, he did place the blame on them and according to most analysts, the two senior ministers will not be permitted to continue with ‘life as usual’ in light of the damaging report. The State Comptroller’s Office is seeking to set a new standard for ministerial responsibility.

Media reports quote the state comptroller telling members of the bereaved families that he has no intention of releasing this report and permitting it to be shelved, but he intends to compel appropriate action against those responsible.

Some believe that for Shas, the release of the report will compel a shakeup in the party lineup while other feel such a presumption is premature and perhaps unwarranted. In addition, political analysts feel the damaging report will have a negative impact on the Netanyahu administration, which comes at a time when the nation is beginning to get into election fever, a most unwanted reality for Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)