The Ministry of the Interior official in charge of elections around the country has suspended Shmuel Horen, the man responsible for the municipal elections in Modi’in Illit, amid suspicions the elections were not in accordance to state law. Horen’s assistant is also under the ministry’s magnifying glass.

Allegations state that Horen turned a blind eye to inappropriate and possibly illegal activities by now mayor, Yaakov Gutterman and many of his allies, today serving as members of the city’s coalition.

The prosecution suggests launching a police investigation, seeking to establish facts in the case that may lead to criminal indictments. The allegations seem strong enough at present to result in the suspension of Horen by the ministry, although the suspension is temporary, and there is a chance, albeit not a strong one, that he may be reinstated in the future.

While police have been instructed to launch an investigation, this has not happened and therefore, the case is not really moving ahead. Officials close to mayor Gutterman report he is exhibiting a calm outward exterior, signaling the suspicions will not be backed by facts.

The opposition in City Hall on the other hand is becoming increasingly audible, seeking a full investigation and possibly new elections, using the suspension of Horen as poof the allegations are not without factual basis, demanding a full police investigation into the affair.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)