BARON, RONNIE

(1948- )

In January 1997, Prime MinisterBenjamin Netanyahuannounced that Bar-On, aJerusalem-based criminal lawyer andLikudParty activist, was to become Israel's nextattorney general. A scandal ensued, and Bar-On resigned. It was soon reported that the Bar-On appointment was in fact the result of extortion on the part ofArye Deri, the then embattled leader of the ultra-OrthodoxSephardi Torah Guardians(SHAS) Party.Reportedly, Deri had conditioned SHAS's approval for the January 1997Hebronagreement with thePalestinianson Bar-On's appointment and threatened to bring down the Netanyahu government if Bar-On was not chosen. Netanyahu denied the report but suggested that the police open an investigation. The police ultimately recommended four indictments, but State Attorney Edna Arbel and Attorney GeneralElyakim Rubinsteindecided there was insufficient evidence that would stand up in court against Netanyahu and Justice MinisterTzachi Hanegbi. On 15 June 1997, the IsraeliSupreme Courtupheld the decision of the attorney general not to prosecute the prime minister or justice minister in the "Bar-On Affair." Bar-On was elected to the 17thKnessetin 2006 on theKadimalist and was appointed interior minister in theEhud Olmert-led government of May 2006.