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.
