Gal-On to comptroller: Netanyahu inappropriately using US ambassador for politics
Meretz leader accuses Ron Dermer of expressing support for Netanyahu's candidacy on American television, which is against the Civil Service Administration's rules.
By LAHAV HARKOV
Meretz leader Zehava Gal-On on Monday accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ambassador to the US Ron Dermer of using the embassy for political needs.In a letter to State Comptroller Joseph Shapira, Gal-On requested that his office investigate the matter “in light of serious concerns.”Gal-On cited reports that Dermer worked behind the White House’s back with representatives from the US Congress to arrange Netanyahu’s speech before both Houses two weeks before the election in Israel.“Dermer is Netanyahu’s political appointment,” Gal-On pointed out. “He served as [Netanyahu’s] adviser for many years and is considered close to him.”The Meretz leader accused Dermer of expressing support for Netanyahu’s candidacy on American television, which is against the Civil Service Administration’s rules.“There is a real concern that Netanyahu is using the American embassy and his associate’s job [as ambassador] to help promote him politically in the upcoming election,” Gal-On said.Likud declined to comment on Gal-On’s letter.An Israeli diplomat in Washington told The Jerusalem Post “the allegation is ridiculous.”Michael Wilner contributed to this report.