| Finance Minister Avraham Hirchson, who has been under investigation for alleged embezzlement, suspended himself on Sunday for three months as finance minister and Knesset member.
Hirchson’s lawyer, Ya’acov Weinroth, told Army Radio that he suspended himself in order to protect his good name.
“As far as I know, it is clear from the materials in the investigation that there is no substance to the serious accusations against my client,” Weinroth said.
In response to Hirchson’s decision, Member of Knesset Ophir Paz-Pines said the finance minister was “just a symptom of the real problem, which is the Olmert government and its management.”
While senior investigators recommend that Hirchson be charged, they are expected to update Attorney-General Menahem Mazuz on Sunday with their progress in the investigation.
Hirchson has been questioned four times regarding his involvement in the embezzlement of millions of shekels from the Histadrut Labor Federation and organizations associated with it.
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