8 jan 2017
Yedioth publisher Arnon Mozes and Prime Minister Netanyahu
According to a report in Haaretz, the suspicions in the central line of inquiry against the prime minister are backed by recording; Netanyahu tells ministers: 'now that I know what this is about, I can say with confidence—nothing's going to come of it, because there is nothing to it.'
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was reportedly recorded negotiating on the phone with Yedioth Ahronoth owner Arnon Mozes on mutual benefits, according to reports on local media on Sunday morning.
The recording, which was obtained by the police, establishes the suspicions against the prime minister, Haaretz reports. The investigaton is referred to as "the 2000 Case.'
The paper quotes a close associate who spoke to Netanyahu after he was questioned for the second time on Thursday and said the prime minister was surprised by the evidence against him.
While Haaretz didn't name the businessman Netanyahu spoke with, Channel 2 identified him as Yedioth Ahronoth owner and publisher Arnon "Noni" Mozes, who also owns Ynet and Ynetnews.
According to the report, Mozes had a long conversation with Netanyahu regarding a deal that would aid Yedioth Ahronoth in the print market in return for a more favorable coverage of the prime minister in the paper.
Journalist Guy Peleg reported on Sunday afternoon that "The recording was recorded by Ari Harow, who was the prime minister's chief of staff. The recording was recorded at theequest of Benjamin Netanyahu and with his knowledge. This recording was caught by investigators during Ari Harow's other investigations, in which they caught his cellular phone, as well as documents and personal computers of his.
And one more thing: a law enforcement individual we spoke to over the last hour tells us of the content of the conversation: it is a disqusting conversation, a conversation of give and take, in which on the one hand Yedioth Ahronoh publisher Noni Mozes promises positive coverage and on the other hand the prime minister says 'I will take care of you regarding the Israel Hayom Bill'."
Mozes was also reportedly questioned under caution regarding the suspicions.
Netanyahu told Likud ministers on Sunday morning that "now that I know what this is about, I can say with confidence—nothing's going to come of it, because there is nothing to it."
He dismissed the investigation as the result of "inappropriate and incessant pressure by elements in the media on law enforcement authorities" and advised his "friends in the opposition not to celebrate, because there's nothing to celebrate."
Netanyahu was questioned twice last week by the Israel Police on two separate issues. The central line of inquiry has not yet been made public, but the secondary one features Hollywood businessman Arnon Milchan prominently.
Channel 10 reported on Saturday evening that Netanyahu spoke to US Secretary of State John Kerry three times in 2014 to ask him to sort out a problem with Milchan's work visa. According to Channel 10, the visa issue was indeed handled.
Netanyahu is under investigation for, inter alia, accepting illicit gifts from the Hollywood mogul. Channel 2 journalist Amnon Abramovitch reported on Thursday that Netanyahu has received hundreds of thousands of shekels worth of cigars and pink champagne from the businessman.
Abramovitch stated that Milchan had been providing the cigars to Netanyahu for 7 to 8 years, though those close to the prime minister claim that the gifts were not intended as bribes.
On Friday, Netanyahu's lawyer, Yaakov Weinroth, spoke to the press, insisting there is no substance to allegations the prime minister improperly accepted gifts.
Weinroth added that there is "no scrap of crime" in someone giving his friend cigars as a gift. He explained that he was unable to directly address the content of the questioning, as it constitutes part of an ongoing police investigation.
Opposition MK Shelly Yachimovich (Zionist Union) commented on the investigation at a cultural event in Tel Aviv on Saturday that the prime minister will soon have to suspend himself from his duties. "This is abhorrent corruption," she said.
Referring to Netanyahu's predecessor in the premiership, the parliamentarian continued, "Netanyahu had a 'sugar daddy' who regularly provided him with valuable perks, just like the Talansky envelopes in the Olmert affair." Ehud Olmert was sentenced to eight months in prison last year for accepting cash bribes in envelopes from businessman Moshe Talansky.
Yachimovich added on her Facebook page that the ruling in Olmert's case stated that in determining if a bribe had taken place, "the court wanted to clearly know whether money or something worth money exchanged hands. It did. Olmert's in prison."
According to a report in Haaretz, the suspicions in the central line of inquiry against the prime minister are backed by recording; Netanyahu tells ministers: 'now that I know what this is about, I can say with confidence—nothing's going to come of it, because there is nothing to it.'
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was reportedly recorded negotiating on the phone with Yedioth Ahronoth owner Arnon Mozes on mutual benefits, according to reports on local media on Sunday morning.
The recording, which was obtained by the police, establishes the suspicions against the prime minister, Haaretz reports. The investigaton is referred to as "the 2000 Case.'
The paper quotes a close associate who spoke to Netanyahu after he was questioned for the second time on Thursday and said the prime minister was surprised by the evidence against him.
While Haaretz didn't name the businessman Netanyahu spoke with, Channel 2 identified him as Yedioth Ahronoth owner and publisher Arnon "Noni" Mozes, who also owns Ynet and Ynetnews.
According to the report, Mozes had a long conversation with Netanyahu regarding a deal that would aid Yedioth Ahronoth in the print market in return for a more favorable coverage of the prime minister in the paper.
Journalist Guy Peleg reported on Sunday afternoon that "The recording was recorded by Ari Harow, who was the prime minister's chief of staff. The recording was recorded at theequest of Benjamin Netanyahu and with his knowledge. This recording was caught by investigators during Ari Harow's other investigations, in which they caught his cellular phone, as well as documents and personal computers of his.
And one more thing: a law enforcement individual we spoke to over the last hour tells us of the content of the conversation: it is a disqusting conversation, a conversation of give and take, in which on the one hand Yedioth Ahronoh publisher Noni Mozes promises positive coverage and on the other hand the prime minister says 'I will take care of you regarding the Israel Hayom Bill'."
Mozes was also reportedly questioned under caution regarding the suspicions.
Netanyahu told Likud ministers on Sunday morning that "now that I know what this is about, I can say with confidence—nothing's going to come of it, because there is nothing to it."
He dismissed the investigation as the result of "inappropriate and incessant pressure by elements in the media on law enforcement authorities" and advised his "friends in the opposition not to celebrate, because there's nothing to celebrate."
Netanyahu was questioned twice last week by the Israel Police on two separate issues. The central line of inquiry has not yet been made public, but the secondary one features Hollywood businessman Arnon Milchan prominently.
Channel 10 reported on Saturday evening that Netanyahu spoke to US Secretary of State John Kerry three times in 2014 to ask him to sort out a problem with Milchan's work visa. According to Channel 10, the visa issue was indeed handled.
Netanyahu is under investigation for, inter alia, accepting illicit gifts from the Hollywood mogul. Channel 2 journalist Amnon Abramovitch reported on Thursday that Netanyahu has received hundreds of thousands of shekels worth of cigars and pink champagne from the businessman.
Abramovitch stated that Milchan had been providing the cigars to Netanyahu for 7 to 8 years, though those close to the prime minister claim that the gifts were not intended as bribes.
On Friday, Netanyahu's lawyer, Yaakov Weinroth, spoke to the press, insisting there is no substance to allegations the prime minister improperly accepted gifts.
Weinroth added that there is "no scrap of crime" in someone giving his friend cigars as a gift. He explained that he was unable to directly address the content of the questioning, as it constitutes part of an ongoing police investigation.
Opposition MK Shelly Yachimovich (Zionist Union) commented on the investigation at a cultural event in Tel Aviv on Saturday that the prime minister will soon have to suspend himself from his duties. "This is abhorrent corruption," she said.
Referring to Netanyahu's predecessor in the premiership, the parliamentarian continued, "Netanyahu had a 'sugar daddy' who regularly provided him with valuable perks, just like the Talansky envelopes in the Olmert affair." Ehud Olmert was sentenced to eight months in prison last year for accepting cash bribes in envelopes from businessman Moshe Talansky.
Yachimovich added on her Facebook page that the ruling in Olmert's case stated that in determining if a bribe had taken place, "the court wanted to clearly know whether money or something worth money exchanged hands. It did. Olmert's in prison."
6 jan 2017
Netanyahu with a cigar
Police are questioning Netanyahu along two lines of inquiry: accepting gifts from businessmen, which is considered secondary, and a more significant matter which is currently shrouded in mystery; the prime minister's lawyer tells the press that there was nothing criminal in someone receiving cigars as gifts; Netanyahu has allegedly received cigars and pink champagne for his wife worth hundreds of thousands of shekels from Hollywood mogul Arnon Milchan.
A lawyer for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday that there is no substance to allegations he improperly accepted gifts.
Yaakov Weinroth, speaking to the press from his home's yard in Ramat Gan, added that there is "no scrap of crime" in someone giving his friend cigars as a gift. He explained that he was unable to directly address the content of the questioning, as it constitutes part of an ongoing police investigation.
He spoke a day after Netanyahu was questioned by police for a second time in a case that local media say arose from allegations involving high-profile figures in international business and Hollywood. Police said Netanyahu was questioned about suspicions that he "allegedly received benefits" as well as about another undisclosed matter.
The cigars constitute one of two lines of inquiry, the details of which remain confidential at this time. In this line of inquiry, the prime minister has allegedly received gifts of cigars and alcohol from billionaire businessman Arnon Milchan worth hundreds thousands of shekels. Milchan is a Hollywood mogul who holds just under 10% of the shares in Israel's Channel 10.
Those close to Netanyahu have maintained that these gifts were not illicit and not intended as bribes, but rather gifts freely given that needn't have been reported. Channel 2 journalist Amnon Abramovitch reported on Thursday that Milchan had been providing the cigars to the prime minister for 7 to 8 years. He revealed that the cigars were Cohiba Siglo VIs, Trinidads, and Montecristos. Abramovitch stated that the price for each cigar is between 100 to 200 shekels.
The alcohol that the Hollywood producer allegedly sent to the Netanyahu residence was for the prime minister's wife, Sara Netanyahu. Abramovitch explained that Milchan sent large quantities of pink champagne, costing 300 to 400 shekels a bottle.
In reply, sources close to the prime minister pointed out that Sara Netanyahu is not being investigated in this matter and that the prime minister is trying to close down Channel 10.
The other line of inquiry is reported to be considerably more significant, but it remains cloaked in mystery whilst the authorities continue their investigation.
Netanyahu has repeatedly denied wrongdoing, portraying the accusations as a witch hunt against him and his family by a hostile media.
Weinroth said in his statement to the press, "Any reasonable person understands that if a close friend brings his friend cigars as a gift there is not and cannot be any shred of prohibition, any trace of criminal offence."
He said that after hearing Netanyahu's statement he is "calm." He reiterated Netanyahu's position that the allegations are "baseless."
Police are questioning Netanyahu along two lines of inquiry: accepting gifts from businessmen, which is considered secondary, and a more significant matter which is currently shrouded in mystery; the prime minister's lawyer tells the press that there was nothing criminal in someone receiving cigars as gifts; Netanyahu has allegedly received cigars and pink champagne for his wife worth hundreds of thousands of shekels from Hollywood mogul Arnon Milchan.
A lawyer for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday that there is no substance to allegations he improperly accepted gifts.
Yaakov Weinroth, speaking to the press from his home's yard in Ramat Gan, added that there is "no scrap of crime" in someone giving his friend cigars as a gift. He explained that he was unable to directly address the content of the questioning, as it constitutes part of an ongoing police investigation.
He spoke a day after Netanyahu was questioned by police for a second time in a case that local media say arose from allegations involving high-profile figures in international business and Hollywood. Police said Netanyahu was questioned about suspicions that he "allegedly received benefits" as well as about another undisclosed matter.
The cigars constitute one of two lines of inquiry, the details of which remain confidential at this time. In this line of inquiry, the prime minister has allegedly received gifts of cigars and alcohol from billionaire businessman Arnon Milchan worth hundreds thousands of shekels. Milchan is a Hollywood mogul who holds just under 10% of the shares in Israel's Channel 10.
Those close to Netanyahu have maintained that these gifts were not illicit and not intended as bribes, but rather gifts freely given that needn't have been reported. Channel 2 journalist Amnon Abramovitch reported on Thursday that Milchan had been providing the cigars to the prime minister for 7 to 8 years. He revealed that the cigars were Cohiba Siglo VIs, Trinidads, and Montecristos. Abramovitch stated that the price for each cigar is between 100 to 200 shekels.
The alcohol that the Hollywood producer allegedly sent to the Netanyahu residence was for the prime minister's wife, Sara Netanyahu. Abramovitch explained that Milchan sent large quantities of pink champagne, costing 300 to 400 shekels a bottle.
In reply, sources close to the prime minister pointed out that Sara Netanyahu is not being investigated in this matter and that the prime minister is trying to close down Channel 10.
The other line of inquiry is reported to be considerably more significant, but it remains cloaked in mystery whilst the authorities continue their investigation.
Netanyahu has repeatedly denied wrongdoing, portraying the accusations as a witch hunt against him and his family by a hostile media.
Weinroth said in his statement to the press, "Any reasonable person understands that if a close friend brings his friend cigars as a gift there is not and cannot be any shred of prohibition, any trace of criminal offence."
He said that after hearing Netanyahu's statement he is "calm." He reiterated Netanyahu's position that the allegations are "baseless."
5 jan 2017
Police finish five hours of questioning of the Prime Minister under caution at Netanyahu's official residence in Jerusalem over suspicions that he accepted illicit benefits from various businessmen.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was questioned under caution Thursday evening for the second time this week.
He underwent five hours of questioning on the suspicion that he received illicit benefits from various businessmen.
The questioning also touched on another case which has to do with another, as yet unidentified suspect.
Earlier, Amnon Abromovitch of Channel 2 said that regarding the police are looking into suspects such as businessman Arnon Milchen, who gifted hundreds of thousands of shekels worth of cigars to the prime minister over the last seven to eight years.
Details of the second case are yet to be revealed.
Netanyahu has insisted that nothing will be found.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was questioned under caution Thursday evening for the second time this week.
He underwent five hours of questioning on the suspicion that he received illicit benefits from various businessmen.
The questioning also touched on another case which has to do with another, as yet unidentified suspect.
Earlier, Amnon Abromovitch of Channel 2 said that regarding the police are looking into suspects such as businessman Arnon Milchen, who gifted hundreds of thousands of shekels worth of cigars to the prime minister over the last seven to eight years.
Details of the second case are yet to be revealed.
Netanyahu has insisted that nothing will be found.
3 jan 2017
Netanyahu (L) and the head of the Investigations Division (background)
The prime minister, questioned under caution for three hours on Sunday, will likely be questioned by the police again on Friday; he is suspecting of having accepted illicit gifts from businessmen while a public servant.
The prime minister was already questioned on Monday for three hours under caution at his official residence. Then, he responded to the questions posed to him regarding his version of events. A knowledgeable source said, "He's not a regular person to be questioned. And he was very prepared for the investigation."
Following the questioning, both parties directly involved maintained complete silence. The first meeting took place on Tuesday amongst Investigations Department Deputy Commissioner Meni Yitzhaki; Lahav 443 Special Investigations Unit head, Deputy Commissioner Roni Rittman; and the investigating team in which they all reviewed the evidence gathered.
In the next round of questioning, the investigators are likely to bring up further suspicions that they have gathered against Netanyahu. This is also the reason that the details of the crimes of which the prime minister is suspected have not yet been published in full.
Monday night, a statement by Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit detailed a list of claims that arose and did not present sufficient grounds to launch an investigation.
Netanyahu released his first comment on Tuesday after the preceding day's questioning in which he communicated, "I repeat: There won't be anything because there isn't anything."
The prime minister, questioned under caution for three hours on Sunday, will likely be questioned by the police again on Friday; he is suspecting of having accepted illicit gifts from businessmen while a public servant.
The prime minister was already questioned on Monday for three hours under caution at his official residence. Then, he responded to the questions posed to him regarding his version of events. A knowledgeable source said, "He's not a regular person to be questioned. And he was very prepared for the investigation."
Following the questioning, both parties directly involved maintained complete silence. The first meeting took place on Tuesday amongst Investigations Department Deputy Commissioner Meni Yitzhaki; Lahav 443 Special Investigations Unit head, Deputy Commissioner Roni Rittman; and the investigating team in which they all reviewed the evidence gathered.
In the next round of questioning, the investigators are likely to bring up further suspicions that they have gathered against Netanyahu. This is also the reason that the details of the crimes of which the prime minister is suspected have not yet been published in full.
Monday night, a statement by Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit detailed a list of claims that arose and did not present sufficient grounds to launch an investigation.
Netanyahu released his first comment on Tuesday after the preceding day's questioning in which he communicated, "I repeat: There won't be anything because there isn't anything."
2 jan 2017
Police wrap up questioning of PM under caution at his official residence in Jerusalem over suspicions that he accepted illicit benefits from businessmen. While not providing information about the allegations Netanyahu was questioned on, the attorney general detailed a list of claims that did not present sufficient grounds to launch an investigation.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was questioned by the Israel Police for three hours on Monday evening at his official residence in Jerusalem over suspicion of receiving gifts from businessmen in breach of his role as a public servant.
Netanyahu has repeatedly denied wrongdoing, but the involvement of the police's anti-fraud unit indicated questions raised about him are considered serious enough to merit an investigation. Police said Netanyahu was questioned "under caution," a term signaling that anything he said could be used as evidence against him.
“The National Unit of the Israel Police investigated the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, under caution this evening on suspicion that he received benefits from businessmen,” the police spokesperson’s unit said in a statement shortly after. “Naturally, no further details beyond these can be provided at this stage.”
While no information was provided about what the prime minister was questioned about, a statement by Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit detailed a list of claims that arose and did not present sufficient grounds to launch an investigation.
"The nature of the investigation precludes us at this stage from giving details of the ongoing investigation but we will consider releasing more information from time to time according to developments," Mandelblit's statement said.
The attorney general said that an initial probe was launched on July 10, 2016, "due to information received on a number of issues from the police's Lahav 443 Special Investigations Unit relating to, among other things, the prime minister.”
He added that new, detailed information had come to light during the past month which supported questioning the prime minister under caution.
Police investigators, the attorney general said, examined "a long string of claims that the prime minister allegedly carried out crimes relating to ethicality."
Addressing claims Netanyahu received forbidden funding for the 2009 elections campaign, the statement noted: "The police received information claiming the prime minister was allegedly had two election campaigns. One campaign was 'official' and was declared as required by law, and another campaign operated covertly and was funded by money that was not declared in accordance with the law.
"To examine this claim, the officials involved in managing the campaign were questioned and different documents were seized. The findings of the probe did not support the aforementioned claims."
Addressing claims Netanyahu swayed the results of the 2009 primaries at the Likud party, the statement noted: "The police received information claiming the prime minister or his close associates were allegedly involved in swaying the results of the primaries by tampering with the information in the computer system.
“To examine this claim, the officials involved in the primaries, including professionals responsible for the computer system, were questioned. The findings of the probe ruled out the claim regarding the attempt to sway or the actual swaying of the primaries results."
Addressing claims of receiving illicit benefits and having flights funded by wealthy individuals, the statement noted: "The police received information claiming that certain wealthy individuals systematically funded the prime minister's flights abroad and bestowed upon him illicit benefits relating to said trips. In light of this, testimonies were taken from several relevant individuals, some of whom were abroad. Some of the allegations were found to be groundless and were therefore rejected, while some factual evidence was found for other allegations that nevertheless did not raise the level of reasonable doubt concerning an offense that is necessary to warrant a criminal investigation."
Addressing claims of double funding of trips abroad, the statement went on to say: "Following further information that was received on the matter, several probes were conducted regarding a possibility that the prime minister, during a period that preceded his current term as prime minister, was involved in receiving excess funding for flights and over the possibility that this extra funding was diverted for his personal use.
"To examine these claims, those involved in organizing the prime minister's flights were questioned, and many documents from the relevant time period were examined. All this was in addition to the probe that was conducted at the time in a similar context, following which it was previously decided that there is no place to instruct on launching a criminal investigation on the issues that were investigated at the time. The current probe and new evidence gathered by it have similarly found that there it is not (sufficient) justification to move on to an investigation in this matter."
Speaking earlier in the day, Netanyahu told the media and opposition to "hold off on the partying" ahead of his police questioning later in the day.
"We notice reports in the media," Netanyahu said during a Likud faction meeting. "We hear the celebrations and sense the way the wind blows in TV studios and in the halls of the opposition—hold off on the partying, don't jump the gun. I told you and I repeat: Nothing will happen, because there is nothing. You will continue making wild allegations and we will continue leading the State of Israel."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was questioned by the Israel Police for three hours on Monday evening at his official residence in Jerusalem over suspicion of receiving gifts from businessmen in breach of his role as a public servant.
Netanyahu has repeatedly denied wrongdoing, but the involvement of the police's anti-fraud unit indicated questions raised about him are considered serious enough to merit an investigation. Police said Netanyahu was questioned "under caution," a term signaling that anything he said could be used as evidence against him.
“The National Unit of the Israel Police investigated the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, under caution this evening on suspicion that he received benefits from businessmen,” the police spokesperson’s unit said in a statement shortly after. “Naturally, no further details beyond these can be provided at this stage.”
While no information was provided about what the prime minister was questioned about, a statement by Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit detailed a list of claims that arose and did not present sufficient grounds to launch an investigation.
"The nature of the investigation precludes us at this stage from giving details of the ongoing investigation but we will consider releasing more information from time to time according to developments," Mandelblit's statement said.
The attorney general said that an initial probe was launched on July 10, 2016, "due to information received on a number of issues from the police's Lahav 443 Special Investigations Unit relating to, among other things, the prime minister.”
He added that new, detailed information had come to light during the past month which supported questioning the prime minister under caution.
Police investigators, the attorney general said, examined "a long string of claims that the prime minister allegedly carried out crimes relating to ethicality."
Addressing claims Netanyahu received forbidden funding for the 2009 elections campaign, the statement noted: "The police received information claiming the prime minister was allegedly had two election campaigns. One campaign was 'official' and was declared as required by law, and another campaign operated covertly and was funded by money that was not declared in accordance with the law.
"To examine this claim, the officials involved in managing the campaign were questioned and different documents were seized. The findings of the probe did not support the aforementioned claims."
Addressing claims Netanyahu swayed the results of the 2009 primaries at the Likud party, the statement noted: "The police received information claiming the prime minister or his close associates were allegedly involved in swaying the results of the primaries by tampering with the information in the computer system.
“To examine this claim, the officials involved in the primaries, including professionals responsible for the computer system, were questioned. The findings of the probe ruled out the claim regarding the attempt to sway or the actual swaying of the primaries results."
Addressing claims of receiving illicit benefits and having flights funded by wealthy individuals, the statement noted: "The police received information claiming that certain wealthy individuals systematically funded the prime minister's flights abroad and bestowed upon him illicit benefits relating to said trips. In light of this, testimonies were taken from several relevant individuals, some of whom were abroad. Some of the allegations were found to be groundless and were therefore rejected, while some factual evidence was found for other allegations that nevertheless did not raise the level of reasonable doubt concerning an offense that is necessary to warrant a criminal investigation."
Addressing claims of double funding of trips abroad, the statement went on to say: "Following further information that was received on the matter, several probes were conducted regarding a possibility that the prime minister, during a period that preceded his current term as prime minister, was involved in receiving excess funding for flights and over the possibility that this extra funding was diverted for his personal use.
"To examine these claims, those involved in organizing the prime minister's flights were questioned, and many documents from the relevant time period were examined. All this was in addition to the probe that was conducted at the time in a similar context, following which it was previously decided that there is no place to instruct on launching a criminal investigation on the issues that were investigated at the time. The current probe and new evidence gathered by it have similarly found that there it is not (sufficient) justification to move on to an investigation in this matter."
Speaking earlier in the day, Netanyahu told the media and opposition to "hold off on the partying" ahead of his police questioning later in the day.
"We notice reports in the media," Netanyahu said during a Likud faction meeting. "We hear the celebrations and sense the way the wind blows in TV studios and in the halls of the opposition—hold off on the partying, don't jump the gun. I told you and I repeat: Nothing will happen, because there is nothing. You will continue making wild allegations and we will continue leading the State of Israel."
