Channel 12's Amit Segal reports that Michael Kleiner, president of the Likud party court, is the suspect in a case reported two days ago. He is suspected of helping businessman Dudi Appel hide substantial assets, even though Appel is declared bankrupt.
Channel 12's Amit Segal reported this morning (Wednesday, 08:38 Jerusalem) that Likud court president Michael Kleiner is the suspect in the asset concealment case involving businessman Dudi Appel. The report confirms earlier identifications by i24NEWS and other outlets. Kleiner and Appel, along with businessmen Yafa and Yitzhak Dayan, were detained for questioning by the Lahav 433 police unit earlier this morning in connection with allegations of hiding real estate rights and smuggling assets worth millions of shekels. The investigation was transferred from the Justice Ministry to the police.
The story broke at 07:58 Jerusalem, when authorities lifted a gag order allowing publication of the suspects' names. Multiple Israeli media outlets simultaneously reported that Likud-linked figures Michael Kleiner, Dudi Appel, and the Dayan brothers were being investigated for economic offenses. As The Zioneer reported at 07:58, N12 and other outlets named the four individuals, with Channel 14 adding that they were detained for questioning. The probe, initially reported by Ynet, has evolved from anonymous reports of 'Likud figures' to named suspects with specific allegations.
As The Zioneer reported on Monday, this investigation is part of a broader probe into Likud-linked figures. On Monday, former MK Yolan Cohen was detained on suspicion of tax evasion involving tens of millions of shekels, allegedly concealing real estate assets during bankruptcy proceedings. The current case involves similar allegations regarding Appel, who is declared bankrupt, and Kleiner's alleged assistance in hiding assets.
The full scope of the alleged scheme, including the specific assets involved and the potential involvement of additional suspects, remains under investigation. No charges have been filed at this stage.
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