Knesset Coalition Chairman MK (Likud) David Bitan was questioned under warning by police for a second time, also for about 13 hours as was the case the first time he was questioned.

Following the first questioning session with police, it was reported that Bitan allegedly cooperated with organized crime families while serving as head of the Rishon L’Tzion Planning Board to pay off NIS 16 million in debts. It is now reported he used a furniture business to money laundry his illegal income.

As the police undercover investigation was taking place, police planted microphones in the Masada Furniture store owned by Moshe Yosef, a friend of Bitan’s. Police allege this business was used to launder the payoffs he was receiving for his services, calling it “Bitan’s bank”.

The evidence against Bitan appears damaging and there is already an audible public voice calling on PM Netanyahu to oust Bitan from his post as coalition chairman as well as from Knesset.

Tens of thousands of Israelis took part in a second protest against government corruption that was held in Tel Aviv on motzei Shabbos. The protest was a response to the allegations against Bitan as well as other officials, including Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, who is the subject of a number of police investigations alleging law-breaking activities.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photo Credit: Google Maps)