Police Raid on Israel Foreign Ministry Reveals Diplomatic Passport Scandal
Authorities from the serious corruption unit of the Israel Police conducted a surprise raid on the Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem, uncovering an investigation into the unauthorized issuance of diplomatic passports. The police confiscated relevant documents during the search, shedding light on a controversial practice.
According to reports, diplomatic passports were granted to individuals who did not meet the necessary legal requirements. One high-profile case involved Yair Netanyahu, the son of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who received a diplomatic passport despite objections from ministry officials.
The scandal raised concerns about political interference and pressure within the ministry, with claims that professionals were disregarded in the decision-making process. Diplomatic passports, while not conferring diplomatic immunity, come with significant privileges, including access to VIP lounges and exemptions from security checks.
The investigation highlighted discrepancies in the issuance of diplomatic passports during Energy Minister Eli Cohen’s tenure as foreign minister, exposing a need for transparency and accountability in the handling of such sensitive documents.