Police: Evidentiary basis found against MK Eli Cohen in diplomatic passport affair

Israel Police investigators believe there is an evidentiary basis for charges against former Foreign Minister MK Eli Cohen in the diplomatic passport affair, sources familiar with the case said. The case has been referred to the State Attorney's Office for a decision on whether to file an indictment.

Israel Police investigators have established an evidentiary basis for charging MK Eli Cohen (Likud) in the diplomatic passport affair, and the case has been forwarded to the State Attorney's Office for an indictment decision, law enforcement sources confirmed Wednesday.

This update follows the formal conclusion of the criminal probe, which The Zioneer first reported earlier Wednesday (June 17). The thread began with the announcement that the Lahav 433 national fraud unit had wrapped up its investigation and sent the file to prosecutors; that initial report was based on an official police statement. Over the next several hours, the desk published successive versions clarifying that the case had been forwarded, that police had found an evidentiary basis, and — now — confirming that investigators believe the evidence meets the threshold for prosecution. The source attribution has remained consistent (law enforcement sources and police statements) throughout.

As The Zioneer reported on Wednesday, the investigation centered on allegations that Cohen and other ministry officials issued diplomatic passports for personal or political considerations, rather than professional criteria. The case was originally exposed by the investigative outlet HaMevaker.

What remains open: the State Attorney's Office has yet to decide whether to file an indictment. No timeline for that decision has been provided.

7 developments

1. 2 hours ago · 13:42 · 17 JunLatest

   Police found an evidentiary basis for charges and referred case to prosecutors

2. 12:29 · 17 Jun

   Investigation concluded and case file forwarded to the State Attorney's Office.

3. 11:45 · 17 Jun

   Police confirm evidentiary basis exists for potential indictment

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