Ethics Newsline®

JERUSALEM
Israel’s state prosecutor recommended last week that Prime Minister Ariel Sharon be indicted for accepting alleged bribes, a move that sets the stage for a final decision, probably within a month, about whether to file charges.

State Attorney Edna Arbel made the nonbinding ruling after examining evidence linked to a series of alleged bribes from an Israeli businessman that began in 1999.

The businessman, David Appel, allegedly funneled funds to Sharon through the prime minister’s son, Gilad Sharon, in order to win support for two business deals, both of which ultimately fell through, reported the Associated Press.

Appel, who wore a wiretap during some of his alleged dealings with Sharon, was charged in January with paying hundreds of thousands of dollars to Gilad for a job for which he lacked qualifications and experience.

Prosecutors say the lucrative salary was a sham designed to get the money to Ariel Sharon in exchange for his help with winning government assistance, reported the AP.

Last week, Israel’s Supreme Court gave prosecutors a helping hand in the case, ruling that Gilad Sharon must turn over possibly incriminating tapes and documents related to any payments.

That ruling, coupled with the recommended indictment, puts the spotlight on Attorney General Meni Mazuz, who must weigh the evidence and announce or reject indictment within a month.

If Sharon is indicted, he likely will be forced to suspend himself or resign, imperiling his plans for making peace with the Palestinians, reported the AP.