BKHYY Bank Hapoalim BM (PK)

The U.S. Justice Department is investigating three of Israel's largest banks over suspicions their branches in Switzerland helped U.S. clients evade taxes, Reuters news agency reported on its website Thursday, citing unnamed sources.

Bank Hapoalim B.M. (BKHYY), Bank Leumi Le-Israel B.M. (LUMI.TV) and Mizrahi Tefahot Bank Ltd. (MZTF.TV) have until Sept. 23 to produce broad statistical information on their Swiss operations with U.S. clients, the report said, citing a letter to the banks from U.S. Deputy Attorney General James Cole.

A spokesman for Bank Leumi said in an email that it is cooperating fully with the authorities, while spokespeople for Mizrahi Tefahot and Bank Hapoalim didn't respond to requests for comment, the report said.

Full Story: http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/09/15/us-usa-tax-swiss-israel-idUSTRE78E7PU20110915