Accountant General Dr. Yaron Zelekha told “Globes” today, “The attempt by the finance minister to terminate my term is illegal, and is not binding as far as I’m concerned. I won’t let a gang of criminal suspects deter me from my responsibility to protect the public till.” He made the comments after learning yesterday that Minister of Finance Ronnie Bar-On intended to terminate his term.
Zelekha and his attorney, Adv. Boaz Benzur, say that Bar-On’s decision is illegal and has no authority, and that he will probably challenge the decision personally in the High Court of Justice. Meanwhile, public groups, with the support of some MKs and public figures, are organizing a petition to the High Court of Justice against both Bar-On and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.
Zelekha will also likely be included in a protection order for whistleblowers. He disclosed to the State Comptroller Olmert’s alleged involvement in providing improper benefits to associates bidding in the privatization tender for Bank Leumi (TASE: LUMI) when Olmert was minister of finance. The charge caused the Israel Police to open an investigation. Olmert, now prime minister, and former Minister of Finance Avraham Hirchson attempted to oust Zelekha. State Comptroller Micha Lindenstrauss proposed that Zelekha be included in a protection order for whistleblowers. The offer is still open, although Zelekha has not stated his position on the matter.
Benzur has informed Bar-On in writing, “Your decision purporting to terminate the term of Dr. Zelekha does not comply with the required criteria. It was taken not only without authority, but also in bad faith, under extraneous considerations, and without consideration of the relevant facts… in contravention of the public service and administrative regulations, while violating the rules of natural justice.”
Yesterday, Bar-One summoned Zelekha by telephone to a meeting. A ministerial aide and Ministry of Finance director general Yarom Ariav were both present at the meeting. Bar-On told Zelekha that since he believed in rotation, Zelekha’s term would end when his contract expired.
Zelekha replied, “In my opinion, your decision is illegal and has no authority, and I will fight it.”
Olmert is distancing himself from Bar-On’s decision. The decision has resulted in an unusual coalition, which is reflected in petitions to the High Court of Justice. This coalition comprises groups that support Zelekha either for his deeds or because of his opposition to the conduct of Olmert and his associates, Bar-On included. Members include Lindenstrauss, who will probably announce his support of Zelekha as a whistleblower; members of Knesset State Control Committee, including chairman MK Zvulon Orlev (National Union-National Religious Party); the Knesset anti-corruption lobby, which includes MK Sheli Yacimovich (Labor) and MK Gilad Erdan (Likud); MKs from various parties; Supreme Court emeritus judges, including Judge Mishael Cheshin; and Movement for Quality Government in Israel and Ometz Center for Civic Education. Ometz is due to award Zelekha next week for his outstanding efforts against corruption.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on August 30, 2007
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