Former Knesset Speaker Dalia Itzik has written a check for NIS 25,000, doing so quietly, seeking to bring the embarrassing matter to rest.

The incident began about three years ago, when the then Knesset speaker was found to have written a check on the Knesset’s expense to refurbish her home and towards the purchase of office equipment, explaining she was actually saving the state money since she was entertaining in her home following the renovations, thereby eliminating the need for hotel and other expenses.

Her noble explanation did not achieve its intended goal, and Itzik, who during her tenure attempted to personify transparency in government, was caught red-handed doing exactly what she boldly accused colleagues of doing, helping themselves to public funds without justification. She defended her actions, insisting she was within the letter of the law, and officials add that following completion of her tenure as speaker, she did return all the items purchased as the law demands, including a fax machine, television, drapes, dishes, platters, dishwasher, and other assorted kitchen items, but one item remained, the new floor she had installed.

She explained the installation of the Italian tiling was approved by the Knesset secretary and legal advisor, but this did little to clear her name among her peers.

It has now been learned that she did return the funds, about three weeks ago, stating she hopes others in the public arena will follow her example and conduct themselves in a responsible fashion.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)