Police OFFICERS Raided the Foreign Ministry in Diplomatic Passport Investigation

Exactly one month after Ma'ariv reported an investigation by the National Fraud Investigation Unit at "Lehav" 433 concerning the issuance of diplomatic passports to unauthorized individuals, including Yair Netanyahu, the Prime Minister's son, and various authority heads, police investigators and detectives raided the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters today. The raid aimed to collect documents and computer materials related to the affair.

The investigation, which had transitioned into an undercover operation, led to today's search at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the office of the former minister. Notably, these actions were confined to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, although the current Minister of Energy, Cohen, was not directly implicated in this raid. The police quickly stated the material collection to preempt rumors and speculation about the investigation. As of now, the individuals allegedly involved have not been summoned for questioning.

Collection of Evidence 

The collected documents and computer materials are expected to either confirm or refute the suspicions of criminal offenses involving the former minister and the director general of the ministry, Ronan Levy Maoz. Maoz, who had recently taken office, issued a statement asserting that he issued the passport under the minister's direction, citing security considerations. If the evidence supports these claims, both the minister and Maoz will be summoned for investigation following proper legal procedures.

Should the evidence disprove any criminal offenses, there will be no need for further investigation, and the case will be closed. The investigation, which commenced following media reports and received approval from government legal advisor Gali Baharav-Miara and State Attorney Amit Isman, is under scrutiny by the attorney's office due to its significance and the high-profile figures involved.

Supreme Court Petition and Delay

Attorney Reuven Billet filed a petition questioning the issuance of a diplomatic passport to the Prime Minister's son and authority heads, citing a lack of proper authorization and non-compliance with diplomatic parameters. The Supreme Court has granted an extension until August 18 for a response to the petition. The delay is purportedly due to senior officials' plans to appoint Likud CEO Tzuri Siso as consul of Israel, which might facilitate the issuance of a diplomatic passport for Netanyahu Jr. Meanwhile, the police investigation continues, with several parties expected to provide explanations.