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August 8, 2003/Av 10 5763, Vol. 55, No. 50
Will inquiries force Sharon resignation?
LESLIE SUSSER
Jewish Telegraphic Agency
At the height of his powers, skillfully conducting a complex process of negotiation with the Palestinians and enjoying widespread popularity, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon could be forced to resign over a string of financial scandals in which he and his sons are principal players.
That, at least, is the view of many Israeli pundits and politicians, some of whom already are gearing up for a post-Sharon era.
What suddenly has telescoped the process and given it a more urgent time frame is Attorney General Elyakim Rubinstein's decision to leave office next January. Before he does, he is expected to issue a comprehensive report on the Sharon affairs.
Even if there is no criminal prosecution, Rubinstein's condemnation of Sharon's ethical conduct is likely to be so devastating that pressure will intensify on Sharon to resign, observers say.
Sharon and his sons have been named or investigated in four cases of suspected misdemeanor or felony:
- A mysterious loan from an Austrian bank;
- The so-called "Greek island affair," in which Sharon's son Gilad was paid huge sums of money by a leading Likud activist when Sharon was foreign minister and, later, a candidate for party leader;
- Building permits for that same activist in the town of Lod; and
- The proposed rezoning of agricultural land in the center of the country, where the Sharons have a second farm.
Criticism has grown over the past few weeks as Gilad Sharon twice invoked the right to remain silent under police interrogation.
Though Gilad Sharon does not hold public office, legal experts say his silence in affairs involving his father is tantamount to a public figure remaining silent.
Some leading politicians see a strong chance of Sharon being forced to resign.
Sharon's resignation would not necessarily spark new elections; the Likud simply could choose a new leader, who would take over as prime minister if he is confirmed by a majority of the Knesset.
If so, that new leader could adopt policies toward the Palestinians that are very different from Sharon's, whose positions are too conciliatory for much of his party.
Leslie Susser is the diplomatic correspondent for the Jerusalem Report.
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