JERUSALEM (JTA) — An Israeli citizen who made millions of dollars smuggling to a Hamas-affiliated merchant in Gaza has been convicted of crimes that “damaged the security of the state.”
Michael Peretz was acquitted, however, of the most serious charge — aiding an enemy during wartime.
The southern Israeli had declared bankruptcy while smuggling, Haaretz reported.
Among the illegal goods that Peretz transferred to Gaza were thousands of tons of concrete, pipes, metals and electronic equipment, The Times of Israel reported. Prosecutors said the pipes were used to produce rockets, and the concrete allowed Hamas to rebuild attack tunnels into Israel that were destroyed during the 2014.
Peretz also was convicted Sunday in the Beersheba District Court of conspiracy to commit a crime, contacting a foreign agent, aggravated fraud, money laundering and tax offenses.
As the Year Turns, Support the Journalism You Trust. JTA covers the stories shaping Jewish life around the world — with the depth this moment calls for. As you reflect on the year ahead, consider a gift that keeps independent Jewish journalism strong.
