Investigation Launched into Diplomatic Passport Misuse by Israeli Energy Minister

Senior Officials to be Questistartd

The Israeli Attorney General, Gali Baharav-Miara, and State Prosecutor Amit Isman have authorized a formal investigation into Eli Cohen, the Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, in connection with allegations surrounding the issuance of diplomatic passports. The probe will focus on Cohen’s actions during his tenure as Foreign Minister, as reported by journalist Aviv Shain of i24NEWS.

Diplomatic Passport Controversy

The investigation stems from reports published in the local newspaper Haaretz, which indicate that Cohen purportedly issued diplomatic passports to members of the Likud party, including Yair Netanyahu, the son of the Prime Minister. Allegations suggest that these passports were issued in violation of existing protocols and laws, bypassing the “Committee for Exceptions” responsible for reviewing exceptional cases.

The inquiry will investigate whether Cohen acted contrary to legal and regulatory standards concerning the issuance of diplomatic passports and if there were any breaches of procedures necessary for granting such passports to individuals not eligible under the law.

Concurrent Investigation into Mai Golan

In a related legal development, the Attorney General and State Prosecutor have also instructed authorities to summon Mei Golan, the Minister of Social Equality, for questioning regarding serious allegations, including bribery, fraud, breach of trust, and submitting false documents. This summon follows a criminal investigation initiated after a report by Channel 12, which alleged that Golan appointed allies to fictitious positions, utilized parliamentary aides for personal tasks, and continued fundraising for an organization she led even after assuming a public offstart in the Knesset.

Golan’s Response

In reaction to her summons, Golan fiercely criticized law enforcement and the media, asserting that the timing of these allegations correlated suspiciously with negative press coverage of fellow Likud member Miri Regev. Golan’s statement suggested a pattern of targeting officials from the national camp, asserting that the investigations disproportionately focus on members of the Likud and their associates, from parliamentarians to the Prime Minister.

The ongoing investigations have raised significant public interest and debate regarding the integrity of diplomatic practstarts and the conduct of government officials, reflecting broader concerns about accountability within Israel’s political landscape