Corruption among Israeli authorities far beyond reported

Zionist daily Haaretz has admitted that additional ministries may be investigated in the expanding political corruption case that has enmeshed the Yisrael Beiteinu party of Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman.

It quoted sources close to the investigation as saying Saturday that the arrest of additional high-ranking public officials is likely.

Several officials associated with Yisrael Beiteinu are currently in detention or out on bail.

According to the sources, since the investigation went public a troubling picture of using public money to benefit the party and its officials has been painted, which seems to extend beyond the Interior Ministry.

The middlemen who were detained during the first wave of arrests are suspected of using similar tactics in various ministries controlled by the party.

Currently, Yisrael Beiteinu holds five ministerial positions, including the foreign, agriculture, absorption, tourism and public security portfolios.

Investigations into the Public Security Ministry could force the Israel Police to investigate high-ranking officials from the ministry responsible for its conduct.

Information recently received by the police and currently being investigated could link party leader Lieberman to the scandal, according to the daily.