Shamshiof has suspended himself from the Jerusalem Municipality "pending the ruling on the appeal""

May 13, 2014   

time out: Eli Shamchiof, defendant number 10 in the Holyland case, announced today (Tuesday) to Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat and Shas Movement Chairman Aryeh Deri that he is suspending himself from his position on the Jerusalem City Council, pending the Supreme Court's ruling on the appeal.

""I hereby announce the suspension of my tenure in the municipality, and the various positions held by me therein, effective Tuesday (13 Iyar 5774, 13.5.2014), the date of the sentence, and until the Supreme Court issues a final ruling in the case on appeal.".

This means that Simchiof will continue to be considered one of the council members, and no other member will take his place, and on the other hand, the mayor will have no reason to force him to resign.

If the Supreme Court overturns the verdict, Shamchiof will continue to serve as a council member, which is unlikely to happen. Apparently, the move is intended to prevent the sixth-place Shas Jerusalem member, Asher Mishaly, who is affiliated with the Eli Yishai camp, from entering the council in the near future.

It should be noted that about two years ago, when the indictment in the case was filed, Shamchiof resigned from his position as deputy mayor.

This morning, Judge David Rosen sentenced Simchayof to 5 years in prison, of which 3.5 were actually served, and a fine of 300,000 NIS.