Updated 3:51 p.m.
Covington & Burling partner Stuart Eizenstat filed paperwork Friday with Congress to lobby on behalf of a businessman in the Netherlands whose construction equipment rental company faces war crimes allegations.
Dutch authorities last year launched an investigation into the claims that Lima Holding BV, which is headed by Doron Livnat, committed war crimes when it leased equipment used in West Bank construction. The Israeli government allegedly used the machinery to help build a separation barrier within the West Bank.
Eizenstat, who leads Covington & Burling's international practice, said in an interview that the war crimes accusations are "so startling and far fetching." The lobbyist said he is meeting with U.S. government officials and members of non-governmental organizations to drum up support for Livnat and his company.
A partner with Covington, Eizenstat served in the Clinton administration as U.S. ambassador to the European Union; under secretary of Commerce for international trade; under secretary of State for economic, business and agricultural affairs; and as deputy secretary of the Treasury Department. He also served as chief White House domestic policy adviser to President Jimmy Carter.
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