September 17, the U.S. Department of Justice is investigating Israeli banks, for helping wealthy U.S. citizens avoid paying their fair share in taxes.

At least three of Israel’s largest banks, Bank Hapoalim, Bank Leumi le-Israel BM and Mizrahi-Tefahot, are being investigated.  The have accounts in Switzerland.

It’s estimated that thousands of wealthy U.S. citizens are using such accounts to hide their incomes from the Internal Revenue Service.

In a 2009 settlement, UBS, paid a U.S.$780 million fine, after admitting to helping U.S. tax evaders.