Israel’s state comptroller called for Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to be investigated on suspicions of cronyism. Micha Lindenstrauss asked Attorney General Menachem Mazuz on Wednesday to order a police probe of Olmert on suspicion that in 2003, while serving as industry and trade minister, Olmert illicitly helped a silicon factory obtain state subsidies.
The factory was represented at the time by a lawyer considered an Olmert confidant. The prime minister, who has frequently sparred with Lindenstrauss over various allegations of impropriety, denied wrongdoing. Mazuz’s office said he was considering the recommendation by Lindenstrauss.
Olmert has been investigated several times on suspicion of various improprieties, but the probes have always come up empty.
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