Former Israeli minister indicted for fraud

JERUSALEM, Aug. 15 (UPI) -- Israel's attorney general announced Tuesday he would indict the former Environment minister on several charges of fraud, bribery and breach of trust.

Attorney General Menachem Mazuz said he decided to indict Knesset member Tzachi Hanegbi on suspicion of making political appointments while minister.

"The time of corruption in the public service is over," Mazuz said. "I have to dry the ponds before the mosquitoes multiply."

The indictment includes allegations of fraud, breach of trust, bribery in elections, bearing false witness and claims Hanegbi made scores of political appointments by fabricating fictitious positions and by favoritism, Ynetnews reported.

However, the Justice Ministry issued a statement Tuesday saying prosecution would be delayed until next month when Hanegbi's parliamentary immunity expires.

Hanegbi's response was not published in the report.