Israel's Ministerial Committee on Legislation formally advanced a bill on Sunday that could allow Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to keep $270,000 he received from a now-deceased cousin to pay for legal costs as he fights corruption charges.
Last October, the country's High Court ordered the money to be returned on the basis that it amounted to an illicit gift.
Mr Netanyahu has been on trial since 2019 over alleged fraud, bribery and breach of trust. He has labelled his prosecution a political “witch hunt”.
The new bill would significantly change the current laws by allowing public servants to accept donations to cover legal and medical costs, including for family members, provided that the money is used only for those purposes.
The proposal, which was backed by Mr Netanyahu's Likud party, was criticised by Israeli Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, who told Justice Minister Yariv Levin on Sunday that it was a “harmful” change that “has the potential to open a real door to government corruption”.
Omer Makayes, director of the Anti-Corruption Movement watchdog, told The Times of Israel that the proposal appeared to be “personally tailored” to help the Prime Minister in his trial.
The move comes after more than two months of fierce local and international opposition to drastic legal reforms that Mr Netanyahu's far-right coalition is seeking to pass in parliament. Opposition leader Yair Lapid recently called on the government to “stop this insane legislation”.
The government says the judiciary has too much power, has a bias against right-wing politics and gives legal officials disproportionate power to interfere with decisions made by the people's elected representatives.
Knesset member Simcha Rothman of the Religious Zionist Party told Israeli media last month that “in the Israeli context [the reforms] might be huge. But when I talk to my [colleagues] across the ocean, they say ‘you’re just stating the obvious’".
Brief scores
Day 1
Toss England, chose to bat
England, 1st innings 357-5 (87 overs): Root 184 not out, Moeen 61 not out, Stokes 56; Philander 3-46
Kanguva
Director: Siva
Stars: Suriya, Bobby Deol, Disha Patani, Yogi Babu, Redin Kingsley
Chef Nobu's advice for eating sushi
“One mistake people always make is adding extra wasabi. There is no need for this, because it should already be there between the rice and the fish.
“When eating nigiri, you must dip the fish – not the rice – in soy sauce, otherwise the rice will collapse. Also, don’t use too much soy sauce or it will make you thirsty. For sushi rolls, dip a little of the rice-covered roll lightly in soy sauce and eat in one bite.
“Chopsticks are acceptable, but really, I recommend using your fingers for sushi. Do use chopsticks for sashimi, though.
“The ginger should be eaten separately as a palette cleanser and used to clear the mouth when switching between different pieces of fish.”
Electric scooters: some rules to remember
- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
- Wear a protective helmet
- Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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Why your domicile status is important
Your UK residence status is assessed using the statutory residence test. While your residence status – ie where you live - is assessed every year, your domicile status is assessed over your lifetime.
Your domicile of origin generally comes from your parents and if your parents were not married, then it is decided by your father. Your domicile is generally the country your father considered his permanent home when you were born.
UK residents who have their permanent home ("domicile") outside the UK may not have to pay UK tax on foreign income. For example, they do not pay tax on foreign income or gains if they are less than £2,000 in the tax year and do not transfer that gain to a UK bank account.
A UK-domiciled person, however, is liable for UK tax on their worldwide income and gains when they are resident in the UK.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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MATCH INFO
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