Israel: Minister Of The Interior Heard In Corruption Investigation

Israeli Interior Minister Aryeh Deri (photo archive).

Israeli Interior Minister Aryeh Deri was heard for more than four hours by the police on Monday (May 29th). His name is at the heart of a corruption investigation. The scenario has a little air of déjà-vu. In the 1990s, Aryeh Deri had already been Minister of the Interior. A few years later he was convicted of having received bribes and was sentenced to 22 months in prison.

This time, the leader of the ultra-Orthodox Shas party is suspected of real estate misappropriation and possible tax evasion. The police do not want to give details of the case, but it says that the investigation was initiated a little more than a year ago and is conducted in connection with the tax authority.

Aryeh Deri says he will answer all questions. "  The minister ... trusts the police to do their job in a responsible and adequate way," said one of his spokespersons.

But this affair could cost him a new place in the government. According to some Israeli media, the police would consider asking for his house arrest and suspension of the post of Minister of the Interior for possible conflicts of interest. Sanctions that must first be approved by the Attorney General and the Knesset, Aryeh Deri enjoying parliamentary immunity.

The survey also targets those around him. His wife was also summoned. And 14 other people, including senior officials of his ministry, were arrested.