The state is signaling it plans to appeal to the High Court of Justice, seeking a harsher sentence in the case of Shas MK Rabbi Shlomo Benizri.

Benizri, a former government minister, was found guilty of fraud, bribery and breech of trust charges, and sentenced to 18 months in prison and a fine. The state was seeking a seven-year sentence.

Following the sentencing in the Jerusalem District Court, Benizri�s attorney indicated his client will appeal the sentence to the High Court, claiming it is too severe.

(Yechiel Spira � YWN Israel)