Aryeh Deri

Israeli media repeatedly reported that Deri's relatives, particularly his brother Shlomo and his son Yanki/Yaakov, had secured important positions in Zionist organisations or bodies linked to the Jewish National Fund. The appointments prompted accusations of nepotism and use of Shas's political influence.

State of the evidence

Documented

Following his return to government as Interior and Health Minister, the Israeli Supreme Court ruled in January 2023, by 10 votes to 1, that his appointment could not stand, particularly in light of his convictions and the circumstances of his tax agreement. Netanyahu was required to dismiss him.

Attribution

Personally implicated

Following Deri's removal from government, a proposed amendment to the Basic Law was introduced to prevent courts from reviewing ministerial appointments except against formal eligibility requirements. During official debates, legal representatives explicitly described Deri's case as the central practical subject of the proposal.

State of the evidence

Documented

Deri entered into a plea agreement under which he admitted tax offences relating in particular to a property transaction and income. In January 2022, he received a suspended prison sentence and a fine.

State of the evidence

Established by a court

Attribution

Personally implicated

A lengthy financial investigation led Israeli police to recommend prosecuting Deri for offences including fraud, breach of trust, money laundering, obstruction and tax violations. The Attorney General ultimately dropped the principal suspicions of corruption and money laundering and pursued only tax offences.

Attribution

Personally implicated

Deri promoted a law giving the Interior Minister authority to approve or block new municipal bylaws allowing shops to open on Shabbat. The legislation passed narrowly, by 58 votes to 57, and crystallised a dispute over religious coercion and local autonomy.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

In late 2014, the release of an old video in which Rabbi Ovadia Yosef strongly criticised Deri and questioned his integrity triggered a crisis within Shas. Deri resigned his parliamentary seat before quickly resuming leadership of the party.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

In a case separate from that of 1999, Deri was found guilty in 2003 of breach of trust for intervening, while Interior Minister, to secure 400,000 shekels in funding through Jerusalem municipality for an association linked to his family. He received a suspended prison sentence and a fine.

State of the evidence

Established by a court

Attribution

Personally implicated

Deri was suspected of making Shas's support for the Hebron Agreement conditional on the appointment of lawyer Roni Bar-On as Attorney General, allegedly on the understanding that he would facilitate a favourable legal settlement for Deri. The State Attorney and subsequently the Attorney General had recommended or considered prosecution for fraud, breach of trust, extortion and obstruction, but the case was ultimately closed.

Attribution

Personally implicated

Aryeh Deri was convicted in 1999 of offences including accepting bribes, fraud and breach of trust. The Supreme Court partially allowed his appeal in 2000, reducing certain charges and his sentence to three years' imprisonment. He was released in 2002 after serving approximately two-thirds of his sentence.

State of the evidence

Established by a court

Attribution

Personally implicated