Last update - 00:00 18/10/2007
AG to comptroller: Allow cabinet to dismiss accountant general
By Yuval Yoaz, Haaretz Correspondent
Attorney General Menachem Mazuz on Thursday wrote to State Comptroller Micha Lindenstrauss asking to him to reverse an order that prevents the cabinet from dismissing Accountant General Yaron Zelekha from his position.
Mazuz cited as the reason for his request the express positions of Finance Ministry Director General Yarom Ariav and other senior treasury officials, who last week held a press conference calling for Zelekha's immediate dismissal.
Ariav said at the press conference that Zelekha's conduct was "severely harming the productivity of the ministry, and consequently the economy of Israel." Ariav's remarks were a direct response to the order issued the previous day by Lindenstrauss preventing the cabinet from appointing a replacement for Zelekha.
In his letter, Mazuz quoted Bank of Israel Governor Stanley Fischer as saying that Zelekha's continued employment in the position of accountant general is endangering Israel's economy. Mazuz added that the problematic professional relationships between Zelekha and other senior treasury officials have been building over a long period of time.
Zelekha uncovered the Bank Leumi affair involving Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and is considered a steadfast fighter against government corruption. Lindenstrauss issued the order protecting him from dismissal because of his role in "exposing corruption."
Lindenstrauss responded to Mazuz's request by saying he would consider the recommendation and make a decision on the matter by November 15.
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