State Comptroller Micha Lindenstrauss is being instructed by the cabinet to investigate alleged illegal police wiretaps against former Justice Minister Chaim Ramon during the time period preceding his indictment for ‘improper’ assault.

Ramon was eventually found guilty and convicted on a lower charge and he returned to the cabinet but not to his former senior post.

Justice Minister Daniel Friedman requested the ministers approve the appointment of a state board of inquiry into alleged illegal police wiretaps but the cabinet decided to adopt the Labor Party compromise, to turn over the case to the state comptroller. The day was viewed as a major political victory for Labor leader Defense Minister Ehud Barak, whose compromise solution was deemed acceptable to the cabinet.

Many people feel that Ramon is not suited to serve as a MK, yet alone a cabinet minister following his conviction but reality seems to have dictated a different set of acceptable norms. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert did not take part in the vote. Ramon was also absented from the vote.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)