The chairman of the State Control Committee, MK Uri Ariel (National Union), called on State Comptroller Yosef Shapira on Friday to continue his probe into the "Bibi Tours" affair. Ariel made the comments after it was reported that Shapira has decided to transfer the case to Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin.

"Only the State Comptroller can and should investigate the issue. Any other decision would leave a cloud hanging over the heads of politicians," Ariel said, adding, "I call on him to reconsider his decision, complete the the report in full and submit it to the Knesset."

Shapira is arguing that according to legal opinions presented to him, it is not the State Comptroller who has the authority to investigate the conduct of Knesset members, including the funding of their trips abroad. He said that criticism over the conduct of Knesset members should be discussed at the Knesset's Ethics Committee.

(Arutz Sheva’s North American Desk is keeping you updated until the start of Shabbat in New York. The time posted automatically on all Arutz Sheva articles, however, is Israeli time.)