Accountant-General Yaron Zelekha was questioned for the second time in the probe of Olmert’s role in the privatization of Bank Leumi.
Olmert [pictured with his wife Aliza] is suspected of helping two businessmen bid for the government shares in the tender for the bank. Both of the businessmen later withdrew from the bidding.
Zelekha, who spoke with investigators at the fraud unit’s headquarters in Bat Yam, is considered to be a central witness in the case.
The Accountant-General told investigators during Monday’s questioning that Yemima Mazuz, the legal advisor for the Finance Ministry, had warned him to "be careful" with Olmert. He said Mazuz told him that Olmert, who was Finance Minister during the bank’s privatization, was “dangerous.” Yemima Mazuz is the sister of Attorney General Menachem Mazuz.
Because of his family ties, Attorney General Mazuz received permission from Foreign Minister and acting Justice Minister Tzippy Livni to exempt himself from involvement in the case. He appointed State Prosecutor Eren Shendar to carry out the investigation in his stead.
Olmert allegedly concealed his own conflict of interest from Yemima Mazuz during the transaction, according to Zelekha.
The case originally came to light when State Comptroller and Ombudsman Micha Lindenstrauss raised suspicions against the Prime Minister in a preliminary investigation last year. Lindenstrauss said after an audit of the sale, “A foundation of evidence has been built that would justify opening a criminal investigation.” He also questioned Zelekha and other Finance Ministry officials.
The case then went to Attorney General Mazuz, who handed it over to the police for further investigation. Shendar decided to go ahead with a full criminal investigation against the Prime Minister after reviewing the findings of the police probe.
Livni has been deisgnated as the Deputy Prime Minister to lead the government if Olmert is unable to fulfill his duties.
Olmert [pictured with his wife Aliza] is suspected of helping two businessmen bid for the government shares in the tender for the bank. Both of the businessmen later withdrew from the bidding.
Zelekha, who spoke with investigators at the fraud unit’s headquarters in Bat Yam, is considered to be a central witness in the case.
The Accountant-General told investigators during Monday’s questioning that Yemima Mazuz, the legal advisor for the Finance Ministry, had warned him to "be careful" with Olmert. He said Mazuz told him that Olmert, who was Finance Minister during the bank’s privatization, was “dangerous.” Yemima Mazuz is the sister of Attorney General Menachem Mazuz.
Because of his family ties, Attorney General Mazuz received permission from Foreign Minister and acting Justice Minister Tzippy Livni to exempt himself from involvement in the case. He appointed State Prosecutor Eren Shendar to carry out the investigation in his stead.
Olmert allegedly concealed his own conflict of interest from Yemima Mazuz during the transaction, according to Zelekha.
The case originally came to light when State Comptroller and Ombudsman Micha Lindenstrauss raised suspicions against the Prime Minister in a preliminary investigation last year. Lindenstrauss said after an audit of the sale, “A foundation of evidence has been built that would justify opening a criminal investigation.” He also questioned Zelekha and other Finance Ministry officials.
The case then went to Attorney General Mazuz, who handed it over to the police for further investigation. Shendar decided to go ahead with a full criminal investigation against the Prime Minister after reviewing the findings of the police probe.
Livni has been deisgnated as the Deputy Prime Minister to lead the government if Olmert is unable to fulfill his duties.