Sharon Faces New Scandal Over Ex-Hostage

[Scurrilous]

http://abcnews.go.com/wire/World/ap20040303_378.html

<snip>

" Prime Minister Ariel Sharon once had a close business relationship with the former father-in-law of an Israeli businessman released in a controversial prisoner swap with Lebanese guerrillas, an Israeli newspaper reported Wednesday.
The daily Maariv said that the connection spurred Sharon's strong push to secure the release of Elhanan Tannenbaum, a shady reserve colonel held captive by Hezbollah for more than three years."

<snip>

"The new revelation comes as Sharon faces a series of other corruption allegations. Real estate mogul David Appel was indicted in January on charges of bribing Sharon. Police are also investigating allegations Sharon obtained an illegal loan during the 1999 race for the leadership of his Likud party.

But the charge of a secret connection to Tannenbaum could be the most serious.

The prisoner swap with Hezbollah guerrillas was deeply controversial here, especially among hard-line Israelis who form the core of Sharon's support. The trade 436 Arab prisoners and the bodies of 59 slain guerrillas for Tannenbaum and the bodies of three Israeli soldiers was the first time Israel freed prisoners in exchange for an Israeli civilian kidnapped on private business."

[Scurrilous]

1. After Maariv expose, PM says hasn't seen Cohen for ages

http://www.maarivenglish.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=article&articleID=3989

<snip>

"Denies any impropriety, says it's been years since his last contact with Tennenbaum's father in law, dismisses accusations as "wild and baseless". MKs on both sides of the floor callling for his resignation."

<snip>

"Maariv uncovered the reason why the PM went out on such a long limb to get Tennenbaum returned to Israel, and why he has been taking such a personal interest in the case."

<snip>

"It is hard to know if his personal acquaintance with Tennenbaum influenced the Prime Minister when he decided on the steep price that he was willing to pay for the prisoner exchange. One thing is certain. He did not tell the government ministers, senior defense officials or the public about the nature of his family’s relationship with Tennenbaum and his family.

For weeks, Israeli citizens have been trying to figure out why Ariel Sharon worked so hard to have Elhanan Tennenbaum released from captivity. Why did he release hundreds of terrorists for a drug dealer? Why did he pursue minister after minister in order to obtain a majority? Why did he tell investigators to treat him gently? Now, there may be an answer."

[Noon_Blue_Apples]

2. the IDF should torture him to get the answers

then a targeted assassination for conspiring with a drug dealer

(sarcasm off - for the "can you believe someone said' crowd)

B

[Scurrilous]

3. Sharon Concerned About Damage from Scandals

http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=worldNews&storyID=4496518§ion=news

<snip>

"Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon voiced concern Thursday about political damage from multiple scandals swirling around him as he faced allegations of misconduct in a prisoner swap with Hizbollah guerrillas.

An opinion poll showed 42 percent of Israelis think Sharon should resign if it is proved he was aware of his family's former business ties to the family of Elhanan Tannenbaum when he pushed for his release from Lebanon in the Jan. 29 deal.

But 43 percent believed Sharon, who dismissed the new allegations as "malicious libel," should stay in office even if he acted with conflict of interest.

Some leftist politicians have called for the right-wing leader, already under investigation in two separate corruption scandals, to step down or face an official inquiry.

Scrambling to defend himself, Sharon made a series of television appearances Wednesday night in which he vehemently denied any wrongdoing.
But Sharon, in an interview with Israel's Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, voiced concern about damage to his public standing from the controversies he faces."

[Forkboy]

4. This weasel's noose needs to be tightened occasionally

[Resistance]

5. LOL

nice one Fork!

:thumbsup: