A criminal investigation has been opened against Minister Haim Biton (Shas) for allegedly financing a party-affiliated newspaper with state funds, as reported by KAN on Tuesday. The newspaper, Haderech, paid its employees using funds from the party’s school network, which is funded by the Ministry of Education. The investigation centers on the suspicion that Biton, while CEO of the network, misused public funds intended for education to support the private newspaper.
The funding for the newspaper was allegedly funneled through various channels, including employee salaries and transactions with a printing house linked to the school network. In response to the allegations, Ma’ayan HaTorah offered to pay to suppress documents implicating them in the newspaper’s funding.
The Attorney General confirmed the investigation, stating that Biton was barred from holding dual roles in the party and educational network. The Movement for Quality Government in Israel applauded the decision to investigate, citing concerns about misuse of public funds for partisan gain. While Biton’s office remained silent, they later announced plans to file a counter lawsuit.