Scandal stalks Sharon

last updated 8 January 2015

Jerusalem

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon should be indicted on charges of taking bribes in the 1990s, when he was foreign minister, Israel’s chief prosecutor said this week. Sharon allegedly used his diplomatic influence with Greece to help an Israeli businessman acquire property on a Greek island for tourism development. The businessman paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to Sharon’s son, Gilad, as a “consulting fee,” although Gilad had no experience in the tourism industry. Sharon is also under investigation for possible violations of campaign-finance laws. If indicted on either charge, the prime minister would almost certainly be forced to step down. The final decision on indictment is up to the attorney general, who will rule within two months. Sharon won’t comment.