Coalition whip David Bitan became the latest Israeli government figure to be questioned in a corruption probe this week, risking the derailment of Benjamin Netanyahu’s legislative agenda.
Mr Bitan, who has been the Israeli Prime Minister’s main enforcer since 2015, was questioned twice this week under caution. He faces allegations of bribe-taking and fraud during the period he served as deputy mayor of Rishon LeZion.
The current mayor of the city, which is south of Tel Aviv, and a number of business figures have also been detained for questioning.
Mr Bitan is thought to be being questioned over the issuing of building permits to contractors in return for money to cover his debts. His wife has also been questioned over allegations of money-laundering.
