Israel’s Supreme Court on Wednesday, 15 Shevat, rejected a petition challenging the plea bargain agreement signed between the state and Rabbi Yoshiyahu Pinto. This agreement pertains to the corruption/bribery investigation involving Israel Police Major-General Ephraim Bracha. The three justice panel was headed by Justice Miriam Naor, president of the High Court.

In line with the agreement and the indictment filed against Rabbi Pinto, the rav will admit to giving a bribe to Bracha. In line with the agreement, the rabbi will become a state witness against former Israel Police major-general, Menashe Arbiv and he, the rav, will serve a maximum of one year in prison.

Justice Naor stated that the agreement is not free of crimes and exhibits surprise in light of the decision not to investigate Arbiv prior to the signing of the plea bargain agreement.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)