Galei Zahal (IDF Army) radio reports that former President Moshe Katzav has lodged a formal complaint with State Comptroller Micha Lindenstrauss against Ministry of Finance Accountant General Shuki Oren over the latter's refusal to grant a range of state-financed benefits.
A letter forwarded to Lindenstrauss by Katzav's lawyer alleged that Oren had misled Katzav when he offered to upgrade the luxury car he currently uses and lease an office for him. Katzav asked for an Audi A6 and an office in the Azrieli Tower, but the accountant general was willing to provide him with a used car and a temporary office only.
In reply to the request from Katzav, the accountant general wrote, "It is essential that any actions taken with regard to the benefits to Katzav should be interim and short-term in nature, so that they can be terminated at short notice."
Lior Katzav, the brother of the former president said in response that contrary to reports, none of the family had asked the state to provide a new car and expansive offices in Tel Aviv. "Neither former president Moshe Katzav nor anyone acting on his behalf has asked for these benefits. I don't understand why Moshe Katzav is continually being persecuted," he said.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on July 21, 2008
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