After stepping down as Minister of Welfare & Social Services due to a criminal indictment for alleged corruption filed against him, MK (Likud) Chaim Katz submitted a request to Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein seeking immunity from prosecution. Many believe that Katz waited to the last moment to avoid having the discussion on his request take place ahead of elections.

Katz is facing charges including breach of trust and in 2011, the Knesset Ethics Committee discussed a request by him to grant him immunity from prosecution as his behavior was deemed unacceptable. This request has now been submitted to the Knesset Speaker.

Katz submitted his letter of resignation on August 16, 2019 after the announcement was made that a criminal indictment is being filed against him.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)