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The Schmooze

Reporter Scoops Shin Bet, Interviews Illegal Woman Who Worked for Defense Minister’s Wife

Does the Israeli press have more powerful research capabilities than the Israel Security Agency, Shin Bet?

Nili Priel, the wife of Defense Minister Ehud Barak, has admitted to employing an illegal foreign worker as a housekeeper. Last week, Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein closed the case as the state, even with the help of Shin Bet, had failed to locate the worker. But yesterday Israel Radio military correspondent Carmela Menashe did what the top security officials couldn’t: He spoke to the worker, interviewing her for the whole nation to hear. Early today, Ynet indicated that the case will be reopened. Right now reports are coming through that Priel has written to the Attorney General reiterating her guilt and saying she is ready to pay a fine.

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