Former minister, deputy minister to be tried for bribes

Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit has decided to press charges against a series of former senior officials, including an ex-minister and an erstwhile deputy minister in the so-called 242 affair involving the Yisrael Beytenu party.

Stas Misezhnikov, who served as tourism minister for the party from 2009 to 2013, will be accused of bribery, fraud and breach of trust, as well as obstruction of justice and possession of a dangerous drug.

Stas Misezhnikov (Miriam Alster/Flash90)

Faina Kirschenbaum, who stepped down as deputy interior minister in early 2015, shortly after news of the suspicions against her was published, will be accused of bribery, breach of trust, fraud, and money laundering, along with other financial felonies.

Several other suspects, including top former local politicians and party officials, are also accused of taking or giving bribes.