Head of party court among Likud figures detained for questioning in tax fraud probe

Michael Kleiner, president of Likud's internal Supreme Court, was detained for questioning in a tax fraud probe. Police suspect a construction contractor hid tens of millions of shekels in real estate assets during bankruptcy proceedings. Kleiner denies allegations, citing prior questioning in 2023. The detention follows his recent rulings against Netanyahu's primary cancellation bid.

Michael Kleiner, a former Knesset member and current president of the Likud party's internal Supreme Court, was identified Wednesday among suspects detained by Israel Police's Lahav 433 unit in a tax fraud probe. The investigation centers on a construction contractor suspected of hiding tens of millions of shekels in real estate assets from tax authorities despite undergoing bankruptcy proceedings since 2012. Police said suspects acted systematically to hide holdings and confiscated property. Also detained were David Appel, a Likud activist convicted of bribery in 2010, and siblings Yaffa and Yitzhak Dayan. Kleiner denied allegations, stating he always acted properly and was questioned on the same matters in 2023. His detention follows recent rulings against Netanyahu, including striking down a bid to cancel the primary. The tribunal also overturned a measure allowing MKs to compete for regional slots. Kleiner is the latest in a string of Likud members investigated or indicted, including Tally Gotliv, Jonatan Urich, May Golan, Eli Cohen, and Hanoch Milwidsky. Netanyahu himself is on trial for corruption.