Published: 28 January 2022
Last updated: 4 March 2024
The former Israeli health minister will be convicted over interference in the case in return for the lenient punishment: ZFA criticises deal, says it does not deliver justice to Leifer's victims
Litzman cuts plea deal with A-G over Malka Leifer case (Jerusalem Post)
The former minister had been suspected of having used his influence to prioritize the interests of private individuals over the needs of the general public
United Torah Judaism MK Ya’acov Litzman was indicted for breach of public trust on Thursday, after he cut a plea deal with Attorney-General Avichai Mandelblit in which he will be convicted in the Malka Leifer case. Other charges against him will be dropped, and he will pay a few thousand NIS fine as a symbolic fee.
In parallel to the deal and the negotiations, Litzman, 73, announced last month that he would not run for the Knesset again due to his age, though there are Knesset members far older.
Multiple pro-women and anti-corruption groups attacked the plea deal as being too lenient.
Labor MK Gilad Kariv said the deal should have included a finding of moral turpitude to discourage future offenders – even if Litzman quits the Knesset.
Litzman signs plea deal in Leifer case, avoiding jail time and paying symbolic fine (Times of Israel)
If terms are approved by judge, former health minister will pay $940 fine for hindering extradition of sex offender to Australia; charges dropped in second corruption case
STATEMENT BY ZFA PRESIDENT JEREMY LEIBLER
“If Yaakov Litzman has pled guilty to a charge of breach of trust during his tenure as Deputy Health Minister in relation to Malka Leifer’s extradition to Australia, it is difficult to comprehend how a small fine and suspended sentence delivers justice to the survivors of Leifer’s alleged abuse”.
“This plea deal does not send the right message to the survivors of sexual abuse or to others who seek to protect and cover up sexual abuse.
"While we respect the Israeli judicial process, we urge the Court which must approve the deal to have regard to the impact that Litzman’s alleged conduct has had and continues to have on survivors of sexual abuse and the public’s confidence in the integrity of Israel’s elected officials”.
