The police have recommended former agriculture minister and Likud MK Yisrael Katz be tried for fraud and breach of trust over alleged political appointments at the ministry.

The police also recommended indicting Katz's aide Michael Ayalon for fraud, breach of trust, falsification of corporate records, forgery and misuse of power.

The investigation began two years ago after the state comptroller reported political appointments in the ministry and its units. The report found Ayalon was illegitimately involved in hiring.

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Some of the Likud appointees were hired for junior positions that do not require tenders, while others were hired temporarily to fill positions that do require tenders, thus giving them an edge in later tenders.

Katz, who headed the ministry from 2003-2006, was interrogated twice under caution.

The police have transferred their investigative material to the central district prosecution.