JERUSALEM, Aug 17 (NNN-MA’AN) – Israel’s welfare minister, resigned on Friday, from the cabinet, following attorney general’s decision to charge him of corruption.
Haim Katz, a lawmaker with Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party, offered his resignation in a letter handed to the prime minister.
“The attempt to slander me, while my work as a lawmaker was done honestly and in good faith, is baseless and bound to fail,” he wrote, according to a statement, released on his behalf.
Israel’s Attorney General, Avichai Mandelblit, announced that, Katz will be charged with fraud and breach of trust.
In his notice, Mandelblit said, Katz has advanced legislation, aimed to provide financial benefits to Equital, a major Israeli holding company, owned by Katz’s close associate and his financial adviser.
Under Israeli regulations, Katz had to resign, after the announcement of the expected indictment. However, Katz said, he intends not to resign, in order to enjoy parliamentary immunity bestowed to lawmakers.
The affair comes at a bad timing to Netanyahu’s Likud, who is seeking to be re-elected in the Sept 17 elections.
Netanyahu himself faces several corruption allegations, and is expected to stand for a hearing, before Mandelblit would decide whether to press charges against him.– NNN-MA’AN
