Between 2007-2009, the four worked as military advisors for the Georgian Defense Ministry. In that capacity, Hirsch, who served as OC 91st Division (known also as the Galilee Formation) during the Second Lebanon War, did not report some NIS 6.1 million in income, according to the indictment.
Hirsch’s fraudulent actions towards the tax authorities included wiring millions of shekels to a foreign Swiss bank account that he controlled, and then transferring the money to one of his Israeli company accounts also located in Switzerland without reporting this to Israeli tax authorities.
Hirsch then forged proofs of payment in case someone would check the irregularities, according to the indictment.
Israeli soldiers hold an Israeli flag as they leave Lebanese territory during a second day of ceasefire during the Second Lebanon War, near the town of Menara August 15, 2006. (credit: REUTERS)
“I have suffered for years from a delay of justice,” Hirsch wrote on Facebook. “I have real-time evidence and documents that will completely refute this charge as well, which I was unjustly accused of,” he wrote.
“This is a struggle that is never-ending, [it has been ongoing] for six and half years and will continue, the financial and health damages are enormous,” he wrote.
“A takedown is a takedown, with all that entails, and it is obvious that for the course of the trial my public work will be limited.”
“I will contribute to the country in other ways,” he concluded.