A committee which operates in tandem with the State Comptroller’s Office has instructed Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to repay NIS 1 million given to him by a cousin, Nathan Milikowsky, and by businessman Spencer Partridge — money Mr. Netanyahu was planning to use towards his defense fund for the numerous cases in which he is being investigated involving an array of corruption charges. Mr. Netanyahu was also instructed to return a number of suits given to him by Mr. Partridge.

The office of Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit has set up a timetable which must be followed concerning the return of the funds. The committee ordering the return of the money and suits explains that Mr. Netanyahu has the means to fund his legal defense, hence, there is no justification to permit him to accept donations for as long as he has not exhausted his funds.

Regarding the suits, it is pointed out that if they have already been worn and cannot be returned, then Mr. Netanyahu must return the monetary value of the garments.

The attorney representing Mr. Netanyahu called the decision “unprecedented” and “a violation of [our client’s] basic rights” as the prime minister is entitled to basic legal assistance, as is the case for any and all Members of Knesset. It is added that he plans to take the matter to the High Court of Justice in an appeal.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)