The Israel Police are examining the role of former Mossad director Yossi Cohen in a number of issues, Channel 13 reported Sunday.
The initial probe opened by Attorney-General Avichai Mandelblit and the police does not necessarily mean there will be a criminal investigation. It is often used as a tool to investigate a sensitive issue for senior public figures when the attorney-general would prefer not to launch a full, public investigation unless the facts turn out to be worse than expected.
At this stage, Cohen would not be questioned under caution, but he could be called as a witness. He has already given public testimony of his narrative.
The probe involves a wedding gift to Cohen’s daughter of $20,000 from Australian billionaire tycoon James Packer.
Given the circumstances, the chances of a full criminal probe are low, unless the initial investigation uncovers some quid pro quo or a request by Packer.
Haaretz broke the story about the saga, prompting Cohen to address the issue, which led to a police probe.
Cohen was advised at the time by a Mossad lawyer that accepting the gift was permitted. He later returned the money when the issue became controversial.
Cohen has said he regretted that he and his daughter had accepted the gift, but he did not think it was problematic at the time in light of how wealthy Packer was and since there was no quid pro quo or request involved.
The police will also examine suspicions that Cohen relayed information to a woman with whom he had a close relationship during the end of his term as Mossad chief, Channel 13 reported, though this issue is considered unlikely to lead to criminal charges.
Packer has become a lightning rod on Israel’s political scene due to a number of probes into which he has been drawn.
The probes have harmed his business and have led him to publicly discuss his bipolar disorder. He has also been involved in controversial conduct on various occasions.
Many top Israeli officials on the Right and Left were close to the long-time Israel supporter and were not aware of his other issues, Cohen has said.