Over 10% of 'Israel's' ruling coalition officials under investigation

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Israeli media
29 Mar 2025 20:58
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As the Knesset debates a bill that grants immunity to its members, "Israel's" Attorney General announces an investigation into coalition lawmakers.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivers a speech in occupied al-Quds, occupied Palestine, on Thursday, March 27, 2025. (AP)

Following the Israeli Attorney General’s Office announcement on Wednesday of a new investigation into government coalition members, over 10% of "Israel’s" ruling coalition lawmakers are now under investigation as Knesset members debate a bill that would grant them immunity from police probes.

Israeli Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara confirmed that police will investigate "Heritage" Minister Amichai Eliyahu, MK Nissim Vaturi, and former MK Zvi Sukkot for their involvement in the break-in at an IOF base last July during protests against the prosecution of Israeli occupation soldiers who sexually assaulted a Palestinian prisoner.

The three lawmakers are being investigated for unauthorized entry into the base after protesters forced open its gates.

Likud MK Tally Gottliv is also under investigation for publicly identifying a protest leader’s husband as a Shin Bet agent, claiming he has links to Hamas' martyred leader Yahya Sinwar. While she has refused to submit to police questioning, citing immunity based on her statements to the Knesset, Israeli police disputed this, maintaining that her remarks are not protected.

Gottliv introduced the immunity bill, which would shield Israeli lawmakers from police investigations. While she claims the bill would not apply retroactively, it could potentially impact ongoing probes into coalition members.

Corruption investigations extend to senior Israeli officials

Several other coalition members are also under investigation for bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains embroiled in cases for accepting gifts in exchange for favorable legislation and regulatory benefits.

Likud MK David Bitan faces charges of accepting nearly one million shekels ($270,000) in bribes during his tenure as mayor of Rishon Lezion, MK, and coalition chair. His case is currently being heard at the Lod District Court.

Shas Education Minister Haim Biton is being investigated for misappropriating Israeli "state" funds intended for education and diverting them to publish a Shas party magazine for children. He is also under investigation for fraud, breach of trust, false registration in corporate documents, and money laundering.

Israeli Transport Minister Miri Regev is under investigation for fraud and breach of trust, accused of using her position to redirect public funds and prioritize projects in municipalities controlled by Likud and in areas that supported her in Likud party primaries. While she has not been charged, she remains under investigation.

Likud Minister for Women's Advancement and Social Equality May Golan is also under investigation for allegedly reappropriating public funds for defamation lawsuits that never materialized. She has refused to cooperate with Israeli police and has not been charged.

70% of Israeli settlers do not trust Netanyahu government

A new poll by the Israeli Channel 12 has revealed that 70% of Israelis do not trust Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. Additionally, 50% of respondents oppose the recent judicial reforms.

According to the survey, 66% of Israeli settlers believe Netanyahu’s government prioritizes religious and coalition-affiliated groups over the general public.

Another poll published on Friday by Israeli newspaper Maariv indicated that 70% of Israelis think Netanyahu's government places political interests above the interests of the Israeli occupation and its settlers.

The Maariv poll further showed that 66% of Israelis are dissatisfied with Netanyahu's performance as prime minister, with 48% expressing complete dissatisfaction. Only 31% said they were satisfied, while 3% had no opinion.

A separate survey conducted by the Facto S.R. Institute for Israel Hayom found that nearly 70% of Israelis view the return of all Israeli captives in Gaza as the most important national priority.