Hatzofeh asserts that, „The arrest of senior figures from the Income Tax Authority fundamentally undermines the last shreds of confidence between the public and those in charge of enforcing the law.”
__________
Yediot Ahronot, in its second editorial, notes that former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has been comatose for one year. The editors recall both his contributions to the country and the accusations of corruption that dogged him but venture that, „It is heart-rending to think that this is how he is ending his career, at Sheba hospital.”
Yediot Ahronot, in its third editorial, pays tribute to the late Teddy Kollek and says that, „Jerusalem, its ultra-orthodox, its Arabs, its residents, everybody owes him a huge debt.”
HEADLINES FROM THE HEBREW PRESS
HA’ARETZ
1. ISRAEL SERIOUSLY CONSIDERING EGYPTIAN INITIATIVE FOR „FOUR-WAY SUMMIT” WITH JORDAN AND THE PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY.
Prime Minister to meet President Mubarak in Sharm today.
2. FAHIMA UPON RELEASE: „I HAVE NO REGRETS.”
3. Income Tax Authority affair:
MAZUZ CONSIDERING SUSPENSION OF ZAKEN AND MATZA; ADDITIONAL WAVE OF ARRESTS EXPECTED.
HATZOFEH
1. Sixty percent of public: Olmert is dishonest.
OLMERT WILL BE INVESTIGATED AS A WITNESS IN TAX BRIBERY AFFAIR.
(…). PM’s Bureau Director Shula Zaken and Income tax Authority Director Jacky Matza investigated by police yesterday. (…).
2. PALESTINIAN SOURCES: ISRAELIS AND HAMAS REPRESENTATIVES ARE WAITING IN CAIRO FOR SHALIT.
At today’s meeting with Olmert: Mubarak to propose four-way summit with Abu Mazen.
3. AFTER MIDNIGHT: KNESSET APPROVES BUDGET.
4. FIVE KILLED IN CLASHES BETWEEN FATAH AND HAMAS; EFFORT BEING MADE TO BRING ABOUT CEASEFIRE.
5. RISE IN NUMBER OF STONES AND MOLOTOV COCKTAILS THROWN IN JUDEA AND SAMARIA.
MA’ARIV
1. Tax scandal: Fear of serious damage to economy.
WHO CLOSED THE GAVRIELI TAX CASE?
(…). Olmert also likely to give testimony. (…).
2. RUSSIA SELLING ANTI-AIRCRAFT SYSTEM TO IRAN TO DEFEND AGAINST ISRAELI ATTACK.
Defense establishment livid at sale of advanced ground-to-air missiles to Iran: „Russia is giving protection to the Iranians.”
YEDIOT AHRONOT
1. POLICE TO INVESTIGATE FINANCE MINISTER.
Hirchson suspected in involvement in theft of millions from non-profit association he was responsible for. (…).
2. This evening: Summit in Sharm.
OLMERT WILL TELL MUBARAK: „YES” TO REGIONAL SUMMIT.
Egypt plans joint peace summit with Abdullah and Abu Mazen.
3. OLMERT AND NETANYAHU TO TESTIFY BEFORE POLICE
in tax affair. That’s what they’re saying at Finance Ministry and Police.
4. AMBASSADORS: HOW DO WE EXPLAIN ALL OF THE CORRUPTION?
„Heavy damage caused to Israel’s image.”
BreuerPress-info
