Israel politician on fraud charge

Mr Hanegbi has often been a controversial figure in Israel

A former Israeli government minister has been charged with of fraud, bribery and perjury over political appointments during his four years in government.

The charges against Tzahi Hanegbi relate to his term as environment minister in the former Likud cabinet.

Mr Hanegbi - now a member of the Kadima party - resigned from Ariel Sharon's government in 2004 when the allegations surfaced. He denies any wrongdoing.

Mr Hanegbi now chairs a key committee in Israel's parliament.

He stands accused of appointing fellow Likud members and their relatives, including some close friends and associates, to government-related positions, some of which did not actually exist.

Following the announcement of the charges, Mr Hanegbi said he was confident that he would be cleared, and that he would waive his parliamentary immunity.

According to the indictment, Mr Hanegbi sought to secure positions for those close to him "in a planned and systematic manner", Israel's Haaretz newspaper reported.

Attorney General Menachem Mazuz decided to indict Mr Hanegbi after hearing the politician's final arguments in his own defence.

According his lawyers, Mr Hanegbi suggested that Likud members and their families should not be ruled out for public office simply because of their links to the governing party, Haaretz reported.