Following a comprehensive report appearing in the daily Haaretz, MK (Ichud HaLeumi) Dr. Michael Ben-Ari has turned to Attorney General Menachem Mazuz to launch an investigation into alleged financial wrongdoing by Defense Minister Ehud Barak.

Haaretz reported that since becoming defense minister, companies controlled by Barak prior to assuming his high-level cabinet post show NIS 6.5 million were deposited in bank accounts, funds originating in Israel and abroad. Adding suspicion to the findings uncovered by the report, Haaretz states that when Barak assumed his post, he transferred control of the companies to his daughters to remove and air of impropriety, to satisfy regulations intended to prevent a conflict of interests. In addition, Haaretz reports that the daughters, who control the companies are not employees and have no association with the firms.

Ben-Air in his letter to Mazuz reminds the attorney general how frequently Mr. Barak releases statements citing the importance of maintaining a society of law and order, and adhering to the nation’s laws regarding unauthorized outposts, asking the same standard be maintained regarding Mr. Barak’s business dealings.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)