The government watchdog group Ometz expressed concern this week that the public may be funding the increasing costs of former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's legal battles. Olmert is fighting charges in several cases involving allegations of corruption and bribery.
Ometz has asked Prime Minister's Office head Eyal Gabbai to reveal the exact cost of Olmert's legal battles and all sources of funding.
Attorney Galia Givoli wrote to Gabbai, “Until now, the fee for these attorneys' services has not been made public, nor has the source of funding.” Olmert is expected to face hearings in the upcoming months and may be indicted, which could significantly increase his attorneys' fees, she added.
Givoli expressed interest in assuring that Olmert's attorneys are not charging more than the standard fees set by the Israel Bar.
Besides asking for the amount of attorneys' fees and the source of government funding, Ometz is also asking to know to what extent Olmert is contributing to his own defense costs.
Olmert faces indictments in three cases: the Investment Center scandal, in which he is accused of advancing his business partner's interests while serving as Minister of Industry and Trade, the Talansky cash envelopes case, in which he is accused of receiving tens of thousands of dollars in unreported cash, and the Rishon Tours case, in which he is accused of double-billing for trips.
Two other cases against Olmert have been closed due to insufficient evidence.