21 nov 2019
Blue and White leader Benny Gantz, right, with his No. 2 Yair Lapid
Gantz expresses faith in judicial system led by AG Mandelblit, as his party releases footage of Netanyahu demanding predecessor Olmert step down when facing his own charges; Likud MKs declare their party leader innocent, back his refusal to resign
The Blue and White party on Thursday called for Benjamin Netanyahu to resign shortly after Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit announced his decision to indict the prime minister for corruption in three investigations.
Netanyahu's political partners, however, offered support and insisted he would be found innocent of the charges of fraud, bribery and breach of trust.
Blue and White released a video of the prime minister calling on predecessor Ehud Olmert to step down when he faced his own criminal charges.
The video of Netanyahu shows him saying of Olmert: "A prime minister who is bogged down in investigations has no moral and public mandate to decide such fateful events for the State of Israel."
The party's Knesset faction leader, MK Avi Nissenkorn, said he had begun to approach other Knesset factions over backing Blue and White Chairman Benny Gantz to form the next coalition government, hoping to muster the 61 MKs he needs for a majority.
Gantz himself said Thursday evening that it was a "very sad day for the State of Israel." He added: "I have full confidence in the law enforcement officials led by Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit. I am sure that they are doing their work faithfully, honestly and professionally."
In an apparent response to Netanyahu's claim that he is the victim of an attempted coup, Gantz added: "There is no coup in Israel, only fortification of the rule of law."
Blue and White No. 2 MK Yair Lapid also called for Netanyahu to step down, saying that, "the attorney general's announcement has just one implication: Benjamin Netanyahu cannot continue to serve as the prime minister of Israel."
He added: "We cannot have a situation in which the prime minister bombs Syria at night and goes to confront (state witness in Case 4000) Nir Hefetz in the morning. It is not possible that someone responsible for our children's education system is charged with serious criminal offenses."
The call for Netanyahu to resign was echoed by Labor-Gesher leader MK Amir Peretz.
"Netanyahu's indictments are the reason why a new government hasn’t been formed,” said Peretz.
“In a democracy, we cannot put up with a prime minister with an indictment hanging over his head. If we can stop Netanyhau from clinging on to the throne of power, we’ll be able to avoid a third election in 12 months.”
Democratic Union leader Nitzan Horowitz reiterated the sentiments, urging the prime minister to resign.
"The Netanyahu era is over,” he said. “In his political death, the outgoing prime minister will burn every good part of statehood. Anyone who blindly stays loyal to him will be remembered as giving his hand to the most serious corruption case in Israeli democracy and will directly harm the country.”
The leader of the Arab-dominated Joint List, Ayman Odeh, welcomed the indictment. “The day Netanyahu pays for his crimes will be the day we will begin repairing the damage he’s done to us,” Odeh said.
“The racism and hatred he spread will not go away with him, and it is up to us - Arabs and Jews - to build a peaceful society together and democracy based on equality that will serve all citizens of the country."
Members of the prime minister's bloc of right-wing and religious parties were quick to come to his defense.
The ultra-Orthodox Shas party said: "We support and strengthen the hand of Netanyahu, a man of tremendous accomplishment in the defense and building of the State of Israel.
"Mr. Prime Minister, we believe and trust that your innocence will be proven and justice will be seen, be strong. It is a difficult day for the State of Israel. We pray that the State of Israel will emerge from this tough crisis strong and unified."
MK Miki Zohar of the prime minister's own Likud party said the indictment was “a disrespectful gift” presented to Netanyahu by the country.
"I think the gift the State of Israel has given to its prime minister, who has devoted to it many years of his life and done so much for it, is disrespectful, undeserving, wrong, unfair and unreasonable,” said Zohar.
“I am filled with pain, but I am not surprised. I didn't think for a moment that Mandelblit could have withstood the pressure."
Fellow Likud MK, Tourism Minister Yariv Levin, said the charges are “a test for all of us” and called on the members of the ruling party to unite.
"These are cases that should not have been opened to begin with, since they do not have a spec of criminality in them and are, at the very most, incidents of unethical behavior,” Levin said. “We will prevail,” he added.
Culture Minister Miri Regev, also of Likud, said she is convinced the prime minister is innocent and that police investigators as well as prosecutors shouldn’t be exempt from criticism.
“The prime minister made the right choice by deciding to continue in his role as premier, as allowed by the law, in order to fight for justice and democratic rule in Israel.”
Yisrael Beytenu Chairman Avigdor Liberman, however, was more neutral in his response, calling the indictment “a difficult day” for the country.
“We have to give the wheels of justice to do their job and also give the prime minister the opportunity to prove his innocence in court," he said.
Gantz expresses faith in judicial system led by AG Mandelblit, as his party releases footage of Netanyahu demanding predecessor Olmert step down when facing his own charges; Likud MKs declare their party leader innocent, back his refusal to resign
The Blue and White party on Thursday called for Benjamin Netanyahu to resign shortly after Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit announced his decision to indict the prime minister for corruption in three investigations.
Netanyahu's political partners, however, offered support and insisted he would be found innocent of the charges of fraud, bribery and breach of trust.
Blue and White released a video of the prime minister calling on predecessor Ehud Olmert to step down when he faced his own criminal charges.
The video of Netanyahu shows him saying of Olmert: "A prime minister who is bogged down in investigations has no moral and public mandate to decide such fateful events for the State of Israel."
The party's Knesset faction leader, MK Avi Nissenkorn, said he had begun to approach other Knesset factions over backing Blue and White Chairman Benny Gantz to form the next coalition government, hoping to muster the 61 MKs he needs for a majority.
Gantz himself said Thursday evening that it was a "very sad day for the State of Israel." He added: "I have full confidence in the law enforcement officials led by Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit. I am sure that they are doing their work faithfully, honestly and professionally."
In an apparent response to Netanyahu's claim that he is the victim of an attempted coup, Gantz added: "There is no coup in Israel, only fortification of the rule of law."
Blue and White No. 2 MK Yair Lapid also called for Netanyahu to step down, saying that, "the attorney general's announcement has just one implication: Benjamin Netanyahu cannot continue to serve as the prime minister of Israel."
He added: "We cannot have a situation in which the prime minister bombs Syria at night and goes to confront (state witness in Case 4000) Nir Hefetz in the morning. It is not possible that someone responsible for our children's education system is charged with serious criminal offenses."
The call for Netanyahu to resign was echoed by Labor-Gesher leader MK Amir Peretz.
"Netanyahu's indictments are the reason why a new government hasn’t been formed,” said Peretz.
“In a democracy, we cannot put up with a prime minister with an indictment hanging over his head. If we can stop Netanyhau from clinging on to the throne of power, we’ll be able to avoid a third election in 12 months.”
Democratic Union leader Nitzan Horowitz reiterated the sentiments, urging the prime minister to resign.
"The Netanyahu era is over,” he said. “In his political death, the outgoing prime minister will burn every good part of statehood. Anyone who blindly stays loyal to him will be remembered as giving his hand to the most serious corruption case in Israeli democracy and will directly harm the country.”
The leader of the Arab-dominated Joint List, Ayman Odeh, welcomed the indictment. “The day Netanyahu pays for his crimes will be the day we will begin repairing the damage he’s done to us,” Odeh said.
“The racism and hatred he spread will not go away with him, and it is up to us - Arabs and Jews - to build a peaceful society together and democracy based on equality that will serve all citizens of the country."
Members of the prime minister's bloc of right-wing and religious parties were quick to come to his defense.
The ultra-Orthodox Shas party said: "We support and strengthen the hand of Netanyahu, a man of tremendous accomplishment in the defense and building of the State of Israel.
"Mr. Prime Minister, we believe and trust that your innocence will be proven and justice will be seen, be strong. It is a difficult day for the State of Israel. We pray that the State of Israel will emerge from this tough crisis strong and unified."
MK Miki Zohar of the prime minister's own Likud party said the indictment was “a disrespectful gift” presented to Netanyahu by the country.
"I think the gift the State of Israel has given to its prime minister, who has devoted to it many years of his life and done so much for it, is disrespectful, undeserving, wrong, unfair and unreasonable,” said Zohar.
“I am filled with pain, but I am not surprised. I didn't think for a moment that Mandelblit could have withstood the pressure."
Fellow Likud MK, Tourism Minister Yariv Levin, said the charges are “a test for all of us” and called on the members of the ruling party to unite.
"These are cases that should not have been opened to begin with, since they do not have a spec of criminality in them and are, at the very most, incidents of unethical behavior,” Levin said. “We will prevail,” he added.
Culture Minister Miri Regev, also of Likud, said she is convinced the prime minister is innocent and that police investigators as well as prosecutors shouldn’t be exempt from criticism.
“The prime minister made the right choice by deciding to continue in his role as premier, as allowed by the law, in order to fight for justice and democratic rule in Israel.”
Yisrael Beytenu Chairman Avigdor Liberman, however, was more neutral in his response, calling the indictment “a difficult day” for the country.
“We have to give the wheels of justice to do their job and also give the prime minister the opportunity to prove his innocence in court," he said.
The 70-year-old prime minister denies all wrongdoing, but he now faces a legal process that could drag on for years, leading a nation in political deadlock after two inconclusive elections in six months and another one seeming likely
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was indicted on corruption charges on Thursday, throwing him into a legal limbo and driving the country deeper into political crisis.
Netanyahu, 70, denies all wrongdoing. But he now faces a legal process that could drag on for years, leading a nation in political deadlock after two inconclusive elections this year.
Here is a guide to the criminal cases against him:
What are the allegations?
Attorney-General Avichai Mandelblit announced that he has filed criminal charges against Netanyahu in investigations listed as cases 1000, 2000 and 4000.
CASE 1000 centers on allegations that Netanyahu and his wife Sara wrongfully received almost 700,000 shekels (about $200,000) worth of gifts from Arnon Milchan, a prominent Hollywood producer and Israeli citizen, and Australian billionaire businessman James Packer.
Prosecutors described a “supply-line” of gifts including champagne and cigars.
According to the indictment, Netanyahu used his role in public office to help Milchan with his business interests.
“With these actions the defendant Netanyahu carried out acts of breach of trust that gravely hurt public trust and clean conduct,” the indictment said.
He has been charged with fraud and breach of trust.
CASE 2000 alleges that Netanyahu negotiated a deal with Arnon Mozes, owner of Israel’s best-selling daily newspaper, Yedioth Ahronoth, for better coverage. Ynet and Ynetnews are part of the Yedioth Ahronoth group.
In return, prosecutors say, the prime minister offered legislation that would slow the growth of a rival daily newspaper. In this case Netanyahu has been charged with fraud and breach of trust and Mozes has been charged with offering a bribe. Mozes too denies wrongdoing.
“By using his stature and power of office in order to receive favors and by being the most senior publicly elected official, he conveyed a message according to which offers of bribery are a means that can be used in order to further the mutual interests of senior public officials and business people and that there is nothing wrong with bribery,” the indictment said.
CASE 4000, the most serious of the three, alleges that Netanyahu granted a series of regulatory favors worth around 1.8 billion shekels (about $500 million) to Israel’s leading telecommunications company, Bezeq Telecom Israel.
In return, prosecutors say, he sought positive coverage of him and his wife on a news website controlled by the company’s former chairman, Shaul Elovitch.
According to the indictment, Netanyahu maintained a “give and take” relationship with Elovitch and his wife, Iris.
Netanyahu has been charged with bribery, as well as fraud and breach of trust, in this case. Elovitch and his wife, Iris, have been charged with bribery and obstruction of justice. The couple denies wrongdoing.
What does Netanyahu say?
Netanyahu denies any wrongdoing and says he is the victim of a politically orchestrated “witch hunt” by the media and the left to oust him from office.
Loyalists in Netanyahu’s right-wing Likud Party have accused the justice system of bias, and Netanyahu has argued that receiving gifts from friends was not against the law.
His legal team says criminal probes into the relations between politicians and the news media would be a threat to a free press, a central pillar of any democracy.
Will a trial begin soon?
Unlikely. It could take many months before the cases are brought before the court. Netanyahu could also seek a plea deal rather than stand trial.
Netanyahu’s allies in parliament have said they would push to grant him parliamentary immunity from prosecution. But with Israeli politics in unprecedented turmoil, it is unclear whether such a move is even possible.
Could he go to jail, if convicted?
Bribery charges carry a sentence of up to 10 years in jail and/or a fine. Fraud and breach of trust carry a prison sentence of up to three years.
Will there be political fallout?
Netanyahu has dominated Israeli politics for more than a decade. But both he and his main centrist rival Benny Gantz of the Blue and White party have failed to form a government after two elections, in April and September, leaving the country in political and economic stasis.
If there is no political breakthrough in the next 21 days, Israel will face yet another election, which few want.
If he is still in office as prime minister after that, Netanyahu would be under no strict legal obligation to quit. According to Israeli law, a prime minister must step down if ultimately convicted, but can stay in office throughout legal proceedings, including appeals.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was indicted on corruption charges on Thursday, throwing him into a legal limbo and driving the country deeper into political crisis.
Netanyahu, 70, denies all wrongdoing. But he now faces a legal process that could drag on for years, leading a nation in political deadlock after two inconclusive elections this year.
Here is a guide to the criminal cases against him:
What are the allegations?
Attorney-General Avichai Mandelblit announced that he has filed criminal charges against Netanyahu in investigations listed as cases 1000, 2000 and 4000.
CASE 1000 centers on allegations that Netanyahu and his wife Sara wrongfully received almost 700,000 shekels (about $200,000) worth of gifts from Arnon Milchan, a prominent Hollywood producer and Israeli citizen, and Australian billionaire businessman James Packer.
Prosecutors described a “supply-line” of gifts including champagne and cigars.
According to the indictment, Netanyahu used his role in public office to help Milchan with his business interests.
“With these actions the defendant Netanyahu carried out acts of breach of trust that gravely hurt public trust and clean conduct,” the indictment said.
He has been charged with fraud and breach of trust.
CASE 2000 alleges that Netanyahu negotiated a deal with Arnon Mozes, owner of Israel’s best-selling daily newspaper, Yedioth Ahronoth, for better coverage. Ynet and Ynetnews are part of the Yedioth Ahronoth group.
In return, prosecutors say, the prime minister offered legislation that would slow the growth of a rival daily newspaper. In this case Netanyahu has been charged with fraud and breach of trust and Mozes has been charged with offering a bribe. Mozes too denies wrongdoing.
“By using his stature and power of office in order to receive favors and by being the most senior publicly elected official, he conveyed a message according to which offers of bribery are a means that can be used in order to further the mutual interests of senior public officials and business people and that there is nothing wrong with bribery,” the indictment said.
CASE 4000, the most serious of the three, alleges that Netanyahu granted a series of regulatory favors worth around 1.8 billion shekels (about $500 million) to Israel’s leading telecommunications company, Bezeq Telecom Israel.
In return, prosecutors say, he sought positive coverage of him and his wife on a news website controlled by the company’s former chairman, Shaul Elovitch.
According to the indictment, Netanyahu maintained a “give and take” relationship with Elovitch and his wife, Iris.
Netanyahu has been charged with bribery, as well as fraud and breach of trust, in this case. Elovitch and his wife, Iris, have been charged with bribery and obstruction of justice. The couple denies wrongdoing.
What does Netanyahu say?
Netanyahu denies any wrongdoing and says he is the victim of a politically orchestrated “witch hunt” by the media and the left to oust him from office.
Loyalists in Netanyahu’s right-wing Likud Party have accused the justice system of bias, and Netanyahu has argued that receiving gifts from friends was not against the law.
His legal team says criminal probes into the relations between politicians and the news media would be a threat to a free press, a central pillar of any democracy.
Will a trial begin soon?
Unlikely. It could take many months before the cases are brought before the court. Netanyahu could also seek a plea deal rather than stand trial.
Netanyahu’s allies in parliament have said they would push to grant him parliamentary immunity from prosecution. But with Israeli politics in unprecedented turmoil, it is unclear whether such a move is even possible.
Could he go to jail, if convicted?
Bribery charges carry a sentence of up to 10 years in jail and/or a fine. Fraud and breach of trust carry a prison sentence of up to three years.
Will there be political fallout?
Netanyahu has dominated Israeli politics for more than a decade. But both he and his main centrist rival Benny Gantz of the Blue and White party have failed to form a government after two elections, in April and September, leaving the country in political and economic stasis.
If there is no political breakthrough in the next 21 days, Israel will face yet another election, which few want.
If he is still in office as prime minister after that, Netanyahu would be under no strict legal obligation to quit. According to Israeli law, a prime minister must step down if ultimately convicted, but can stay in office throughout legal proceedings, including appeals.
Enraged PM goes on the offensive, slamming AG and police investigators, who he claims were 'after him'; 2 other defendants, Elovich and Mozes, also issue statements expressing their disappointment over what they see as unfair charges
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday called a criminal indicment against him an attempt at a "government coup" and he will continue to "lead Israel." It is the first time in the country's history a sitting prime minister has been charged with a crime.
Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit on Thursday formally charged Netanyahu in a series of corruption cases, throwing the country's paralyzed political system into further disarray and threatening the long-time leader's grip on power. Mandelblit charged Netanyahu with fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes in three different scandals.
In a televised speech shortly after the indictment was announced, Netanyahu, 70, claimed that the investigation against him was tainted by bias, saying the police investigators "weren't after the truth, they were after me."
“This evening we are witnesses to an attempted government coup against the prime minister, using false allegations and stained investigations,” said Netanyahu. “You must have noticed that the attorney general’s decision was made and announced at an unprecedented speed, and I would say during the most sensitive time for our political system since the establishment of the state," he said.
“The process is intended to topple an incumbent prime minister from the right. It was designed to bring me down. Me, who unlike many of my opponents and the media, wants to see a free market here not only when it comes to the economy but in the media as well," he added.
"It is time for the public to receive clear answers about all of this and also about the tainted investigations conducted against me, in which they were not after the truth, they were after me.”
Netanyahu then went on a lengthy rant, accusing the investigators of threating and blackmailing state witnesses until they told them "what they wanted to hear, which isn't what actually happened."
The prime minister finished the defiant speech by saying he will not resign and urged to "investigate the investigators."
Other defendants
The other defendants in the indictment have also issued statements expressing their disappointment over Mandelblit’s decision.
Shaul Elovich and his wife Iris, both indicted on bribery charges in Case 4000, said they “regret” the attorney general’s decision to indict them
“Based on the evidence in the case, we are convinced that an indictment could have been avoided, said Attorney Jack Chen, who represents Elovitch. “Once the case is passed for judicial review, we hope that the three-year-long slanderous accusation and leaks will finally stop,” he said.
“We trust that the court will reach the conclusion that, based on the evidence, Shaul and Iris Elovich did not commit the offenses attributed to them."
Arnon Mozes, indicted on bribery charges in Case 2000, said the interpretation of the relationship he had with the prime minister as bribery is a “distorted interpretation” of facts.
"Moses did not offer Netanyahu any benefits,” said attorneys representing Mozes in a statement. “The conversation between the two shows that Moses tried to convince Netanyahu to be interviewed, and suggested a writer who would occasionally write opinion pieces in the newspaper, which was clearly in the interest of Yedioth Ahronoth,” said the statement. “That was offered to Netanyahu even before the conversation that is at the heart of the case.”
Arnon Mozes is the publisher and owner of Yedioth Ahronoth Group, which includes Ynet and Ynetnews.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday called a criminal indicment against him an attempt at a "government coup" and he will continue to "lead Israel." It is the first time in the country's history a sitting prime minister has been charged with a crime.
Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit on Thursday formally charged Netanyahu in a series of corruption cases, throwing the country's paralyzed political system into further disarray and threatening the long-time leader's grip on power. Mandelblit charged Netanyahu with fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes in three different scandals.
In a televised speech shortly after the indictment was announced, Netanyahu, 70, claimed that the investigation against him was tainted by bias, saying the police investigators "weren't after the truth, they were after me."
“This evening we are witnesses to an attempted government coup against the prime minister, using false allegations and stained investigations,” said Netanyahu. “You must have noticed that the attorney general’s decision was made and announced at an unprecedented speed, and I would say during the most sensitive time for our political system since the establishment of the state," he said.
“The process is intended to topple an incumbent prime minister from the right. It was designed to bring me down. Me, who unlike many of my opponents and the media, wants to see a free market here not only when it comes to the economy but in the media as well," he added.
"It is time for the public to receive clear answers about all of this and also about the tainted investigations conducted against me, in which they were not after the truth, they were after me.”
Netanyahu then went on a lengthy rant, accusing the investigators of threating and blackmailing state witnesses until they told them "what they wanted to hear, which isn't what actually happened."
The prime minister finished the defiant speech by saying he will not resign and urged to "investigate the investigators."
Other defendants
The other defendants in the indictment have also issued statements expressing their disappointment over Mandelblit’s decision.
Shaul Elovich and his wife Iris, both indicted on bribery charges in Case 4000, said they “regret” the attorney general’s decision to indict them
“Based on the evidence in the case, we are convinced that an indictment could have been avoided, said Attorney Jack Chen, who represents Elovitch. “Once the case is passed for judicial review, we hope that the three-year-long slanderous accusation and leaks will finally stop,” he said.
“We trust that the court will reach the conclusion that, based on the evidence, Shaul and Iris Elovich did not commit the offenses attributed to them."
Arnon Mozes, indicted on bribery charges in Case 2000, said the interpretation of the relationship he had with the prime minister as bribery is a “distorted interpretation” of facts.
"Moses did not offer Netanyahu any benefits,” said attorneys representing Mozes in a statement. “The conversation between the two shows that Moses tried to convince Netanyahu to be interviewed, and suggested a writer who would occasionally write opinion pieces in the newspaper, which was clearly in the interest of Yedioth Ahronoth,” said the statement. “That was offered to Netanyahu even before the conversation that is at the heart of the case.”
Arnon Mozes is the publisher and owner of Yedioth Ahronoth Group, which includes Ynet and Ynetnews.
Attorney general rejects claims move to prosecute was politically motivated, says a day when the AG 'decides on an indictment against a prime minister for serious crimes is a difficult and sad day for the Israeli public'
The decision to indict Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for bribery, fraud and breach of was a heavy-hearted one, Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit said Thursday, after announcing that he would bring charges in the three corruption investigations into the veteran politician who has led the country for more than a decade.
"This is a difficult and sad day," Mandelblit told reporters. "Today, I informed the Prime Minister's Office of my decision to indict him on three counts. A day when the attorney general decides on an indictment against a prime minister for serious crimes is a difficult and sad day for the public in Israel - and for me personally."
Mandelblit previously served as Netanyahu's cabinet secretary.
"All of Israel's citizens, including myself, look up to our elected officials and foremost the prime minister, and view them as our democratically elected leaders," he said.
"Prime Minister Netanyahu is a privileged man. I have been privileged to work beside him and to see his many talents and abilities as prime minister. I made the decision to indict him with a heavy heart, but wholeheartedly."
"From a deep sense of commitment to the rule of law, to the public interest and to the citizens of Israel, law enforcement is not a choice," he said.
He rejected suggestions that the indictment was politically motivated.
"It's not a matter of right or left, it's not a matter of politics," he said.
"This is a duty bestowed upon us, and on me personally. It is my duty to the citizens of the state in which public interest demands that they live in a country where no one is above the law, a country where suspicions of corruption are probed and investigated for the sake of discovering the truth and exacting the law where required," he said.
"This is the most fundamental meaning of the rule of law in a democratic state. For this very reason, today is a difficult day, but also an important one," Mandelblit said.
He also angrily criticized pressure campaigns by both Netanyahu's supporters and opponents to sway his decision, which came after months of deliberations.
Netanyahu has called the corruption charges a witch hunt and repeatedly lashed out at police and prosecutors throughout the investigation.
The decision to indict Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for bribery, fraud and breach of was a heavy-hearted one, Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit said Thursday, after announcing that he would bring charges in the three corruption investigations into the veteran politician who has led the country for more than a decade.
"This is a difficult and sad day," Mandelblit told reporters. "Today, I informed the Prime Minister's Office of my decision to indict him on three counts. A day when the attorney general decides on an indictment against a prime minister for serious crimes is a difficult and sad day for the public in Israel - and for me personally."
Mandelblit previously served as Netanyahu's cabinet secretary.
"All of Israel's citizens, including myself, look up to our elected officials and foremost the prime minister, and view them as our democratically elected leaders," he said.
"Prime Minister Netanyahu is a privileged man. I have been privileged to work beside him and to see his many talents and abilities as prime minister. I made the decision to indict him with a heavy heart, but wholeheartedly."
"From a deep sense of commitment to the rule of law, to the public interest and to the citizens of Israel, law enforcement is not a choice," he said.
He rejected suggestions that the indictment was politically motivated.
"It's not a matter of right or left, it's not a matter of politics," he said.
"This is a duty bestowed upon us, and on me personally. It is my duty to the citizens of the state in which public interest demands that they live in a country where no one is above the law, a country where suspicions of corruption are probed and investigated for the sake of discovering the truth and exacting the law where required," he said.
"This is the most fundamental meaning of the rule of law in a democratic state. For this very reason, today is a difficult day, but also an important one," Mandelblit said.
He also angrily criticized pressure campaigns by both Netanyahu's supporters and opponents to sway his decision, which came after months of deliberations.
Netanyahu has called the corruption charges a witch hunt and repeatedly lashed out at police and prosecutors throughout the investigation.
Avichai Mandelblit charged PM with bribery in Case 4000; fraud and breach of trust in Cases 1000 and 2000; Shaul Elovich and Arnon Moses have also been indicted in Cases 4000 and 2000 respectively; this is the first time in Israel's history a sitting PM faces criminal trial
The attorney general on Thursday charged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in all three corruption cases. Avichai Mandelblit decided to indict Israel's leader on charges which include bribery, fraud and breach of trust. It is the first time in the nation's history a sitting premier faces a criminal trial. Shaul Elovich and Arnon Moses are also indicted in Cases 4000 and 2000 respectively.
The charges is a heavy blow to Netanyahu's hopes to remain in office although he is not required to resign. Netanyahu has called the allegations part of a witch hunt, lashing out against the media, police, prosecutors and the justice system.
According to the indictment, Netanyahu accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars of champagne and cigars from billionaire friends, offered to trade favors with a newspaper publisher and used his influence to help a wealthy telecom magnate in exchange for favorable coverage on a popular news site.
The most serious charges were connected to so-called Case 4000 and include bribery, fraud and breach of trust. In the case Netanyahu is accused of passing regulations that gave his friend, telecom magnate Shaul Elovitch, benefits worth over $250 million to his company Bezeq. In return, Bezeq's news site, Walla, published favorable articles about Netanyahu and his family. Shaul Elovitch and his wife Iris have also been charged with bribery by the attorney general.
In Case 2000, in which Netanyahu and Yedioth Ahronoth and Ynet owner Arnon Mozes allegedly discussed mutual assistance to promote one another's interests during private meetings that began in 2009 and lasted for several years, Netanyahu is charged with fraud and breach of trust. Mozes has been charged with bribery over the affair.
Charges of fraud and breach of trust also signify Case 1000, in which Netanyahu's gifts of champagne from billionaires Arnon Milchan and James Packer turned into a sort of supply line. The indictment said Netanyahu assisted the Israeli Milchan, a Hollywood mogul, in extending his U.S. visa. It was not immediately clear what, if anything, Packer received in return.
The decision comes at a tumultuous time for the country. After an inconclusive election in September, both Netanyahu and his chief rival, Benny Gantz, have failed to form a majority coalition in parliament. It is the first time in the nation's history that that has happened.
It is unlikely that a trial will start any time soon. It could take many months before the cases are brought before the court. Netanyahu could also seek a plea deal rather than stand trial.
Netanyahu's allies in parliament, the Knesset, have said they would push to grant him parliamentary immunity from prosecution. But with Israeli politics in unprecedented turmoil, it is unclear whether such a move is even possible.
The decision comes at a tumultuous time for the country. After an inconclusive election in September, both Netanyahu and his chief rival, Benny Gantz, have failed to form a majority coalition in parliament.
What are the investigations?
The attorney general on Thursday charged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in all three corruption cases. Avichai Mandelblit decided to indict Israel's leader on charges which include bribery, fraud and breach of trust. It is the first time in the nation's history a sitting premier faces a criminal trial. Shaul Elovich and Arnon Moses are also indicted in Cases 4000 and 2000 respectively.
The charges is a heavy blow to Netanyahu's hopes to remain in office although he is not required to resign. Netanyahu has called the allegations part of a witch hunt, lashing out against the media, police, prosecutors and the justice system.
According to the indictment, Netanyahu accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars of champagne and cigars from billionaire friends, offered to trade favors with a newspaper publisher and used his influence to help a wealthy telecom magnate in exchange for favorable coverage on a popular news site.
The most serious charges were connected to so-called Case 4000 and include bribery, fraud and breach of trust. In the case Netanyahu is accused of passing regulations that gave his friend, telecom magnate Shaul Elovitch, benefits worth over $250 million to his company Bezeq. In return, Bezeq's news site, Walla, published favorable articles about Netanyahu and his family. Shaul Elovitch and his wife Iris have also been charged with bribery by the attorney general.
In Case 2000, in which Netanyahu and Yedioth Ahronoth and Ynet owner Arnon Mozes allegedly discussed mutual assistance to promote one another's interests during private meetings that began in 2009 and lasted for several years, Netanyahu is charged with fraud and breach of trust. Mozes has been charged with bribery over the affair.
Charges of fraud and breach of trust also signify Case 1000, in which Netanyahu's gifts of champagne from billionaires Arnon Milchan and James Packer turned into a sort of supply line. The indictment said Netanyahu assisted the Israeli Milchan, a Hollywood mogul, in extending his U.S. visa. It was not immediately clear what, if anything, Packer received in return.
The decision comes at a tumultuous time for the country. After an inconclusive election in September, both Netanyahu and his chief rival, Benny Gantz, have failed to form a majority coalition in parliament. It is the first time in the nation's history that that has happened.
It is unlikely that a trial will start any time soon. It could take many months before the cases are brought before the court. Netanyahu could also seek a plea deal rather than stand trial.
Netanyahu's allies in parliament, the Knesset, have said they would push to grant him parliamentary immunity from prosecution. But with Israeli politics in unprecedented turmoil, it is unclear whether such a move is even possible.
The decision comes at a tumultuous time for the country. After an inconclusive election in September, both Netanyahu and his chief rival, Benny Gantz, have failed to form a majority coalition in parliament.
What are the investigations?
Benjamin Netanyahu and Arnon Milchan
Case 1000
The investigation into the case, known as the "illicit gift affait" found there was an alleged organized system, which operated for about a decade, with Netanyahu and his family demanding and then receiving gifts from Michlan and Packer worth a total of some NIS 1 million ($200,000).
In return for the gifts, Netanyahu allegedly used his position to influence government policy for the betterment of his associates, particularly Milchan.
Tax benefits: One such favor was the premier's invested interest in extending tax benefits for returning residents to over 10 years, something the police estimated would have saved Milchan millions of dollars. Finance Ministry officials rejected the proposal, saying it was contrary to the public interest, because fewer taxes would be collected.
US visa: Netanyahu is also suspected of working to aid Milchan renew his visa to the US. The prime minister allegedly turned to then-US Secretary of State John Kerry, then-US Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro and Israel's Ambassador to the US Ron Dermer, asking for their help in extending Milchan's visa.
Channel 2 merger: The prime minister allegedly worked to promote the merger of the two TV networks that shared Channel 2 (now Channel 12) Keshet and Reshet, which Milchan sought to run, in addition to owning shares in commercial competitor, Channel 10 (which Channel 12 has since acquired).
"Communications Ministry Director-General Shlomo Filber intervened and acted on behalf of Netanyahu in order to advance Milchan's affairs. In return, the prime minister was promised sympathetic coverage (from Channels 2 and 10)," police said.
The Tata project: According to the police, the most glaring example of Netanyahu working against Israel's interests to benefit Milchan was his efforts promote a free trade zone on the Israel-Jordan border, a project Milchan sought to promote as part of his partnership with Indian industrialist Ratan Naval Tata.
The project, which police noted went against the recommendations of the defense establishment, would have generated Milchan and Tata "a huge profit," but ended up being scrapped because it would've cost the state an unreasonable amount in security expenses.
Channel 10: Netanyahu allegedly acted in violation of the law when he handled the affairs of Channel 10, despite knowing his friend Milchan owned shares in the channel.
Case 1000
The investigation into the case, known as the "illicit gift affait" found there was an alleged organized system, which operated for about a decade, with Netanyahu and his family demanding and then receiving gifts from Michlan and Packer worth a total of some NIS 1 million ($200,000).
In return for the gifts, Netanyahu allegedly used his position to influence government policy for the betterment of his associates, particularly Milchan.
Tax benefits: One such favor was the premier's invested interest in extending tax benefits for returning residents to over 10 years, something the police estimated would have saved Milchan millions of dollars. Finance Ministry officials rejected the proposal, saying it was contrary to the public interest, because fewer taxes would be collected.
US visa: Netanyahu is also suspected of working to aid Milchan renew his visa to the US. The prime minister allegedly turned to then-US Secretary of State John Kerry, then-US Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro and Israel's Ambassador to the US Ron Dermer, asking for their help in extending Milchan's visa.
Channel 2 merger: The prime minister allegedly worked to promote the merger of the two TV networks that shared Channel 2 (now Channel 12) Keshet and Reshet, which Milchan sought to run, in addition to owning shares in commercial competitor, Channel 10 (which Channel 12 has since acquired).
"Communications Ministry Director-General Shlomo Filber intervened and acted on behalf of Netanyahu in order to advance Milchan's affairs. In return, the prime minister was promised sympathetic coverage (from Channels 2 and 10)," police said.
The Tata project: According to the police, the most glaring example of Netanyahu working against Israel's interests to benefit Milchan was his efforts promote a free trade zone on the Israel-Jordan border, a project Milchan sought to promote as part of his partnership with Indian industrialist Ratan Naval Tata.
The project, which police noted went against the recommendations of the defense establishment, would have generated Milchan and Tata "a huge profit," but ended up being scrapped because it would've cost the state an unreasonable amount in security expenses.
Channel 10: Netanyahu allegedly acted in violation of the law when he handled the affairs of Channel 10, despite knowing his friend Milchan owned shares in the channel.
Yedioth Ahronoth/Ynet owner and publisher Arnon Mozes
Case 2000
As part of these talks, the two allegedly discussed the possibility of Mozes helping Netanyahu secure his position as prime minister through positive and favorable coverage in Yedioth Ahronoth. In return, the prime minister would aid Mozes to promote Yedioth's financial interests by initiating and supporting moves to weaken rival newspaper Israel Hayom.
The investigation further found Netanyahu and Mozes took actual steps to promote each other's interests as part of the understandings reached between them, "or at the very least made it appear to the other they were doing so," police noted.
Among the steps Netanyahu allegedly took to aid Mozes were: his support of a bill to prevent the free distribution of newspapers, dubbed the "Israel Hayom bill" as the daily is handed out for free; his efforts to reduce Israel Hayom's distribution; and his efforts to cancel the paper's weekend edition.
In addition, Netanyahu, the minister of communications at the time, allegedly mediated between Mozes and potential buyers for Yedioth Ahronoth.
The police investigation was based on two recordings made at Netanyahu's behest and without Mozes' knowledge. The recordings document meetings between Netanyahu and Mozes at the Prime Minister's Residence in Jerusalem and were recorded by his then-chief of staff Ari Harow on his cellphone. Harow has turned state's witness.
Both Netanyahu and Mozes told that they did not truly intend to promote the matters discussed in their talks.
Case 2000
As part of these talks, the two allegedly discussed the possibility of Mozes helping Netanyahu secure his position as prime minister through positive and favorable coverage in Yedioth Ahronoth. In return, the prime minister would aid Mozes to promote Yedioth's financial interests by initiating and supporting moves to weaken rival newspaper Israel Hayom.
The investigation further found Netanyahu and Mozes took actual steps to promote each other's interests as part of the understandings reached between them, "or at the very least made it appear to the other they were doing so," police noted.
Among the steps Netanyahu allegedly took to aid Mozes were: his support of a bill to prevent the free distribution of newspapers, dubbed the "Israel Hayom bill" as the daily is handed out for free; his efforts to reduce Israel Hayom's distribution; and his efforts to cancel the paper's weekend edition.
In addition, Netanyahu, the minister of communications at the time, allegedly mediated between Mozes and potential buyers for Yedioth Ahronoth.
The police investigation was based on two recordings made at Netanyahu's behest and without Mozes' knowledge. The recordings document meetings between Netanyahu and Mozes at the Prime Minister's Residence in Jerusalem and were recorded by his then-chief of staff Ari Harow on his cellphone. Harow has turned state's witness.
Both Netanyahu and Mozes told that they did not truly intend to promote the matters discussed in their talks.
Shaul Elovitch
Case 4000
This case, which is also known as the "Walla!-Bezeq affair," is considered by police and the Israel Securities Authority as the gravest of the three cases. Two of Netanyahu's top confidants - former Communications Ministry director-general Shlomo Filber and former media advisor Nir Hefetz - have turned state's witness and are believed to have provided police with incriminating evidence.
Netanyahu is suspected of taking bribes and acting in a conflict of interest by promoting regulations worth hundreds of millions of dollars to Bezeq and its then-majority shareholder Shaul Elovitch, including Bezeq's merger with the satellite TV company Yes. In return, the prime minister allegedly demanded - both directly and indirectly - to receive favorable coverage on Walla! News, which is owned by Bezeq.
According to the police investigation, from 2012 to 2017 the prime minister and his associates "blatantly intervened" on a near-daily basis in the Walla! News site, using the connections with Elovitch and his wife Iris to influence appointments there and to promote flattering articles and pictures while quelling critical stories of the prime minister and his family.
Police also said the Elovitches influenced the content published on Walla! News in return for regulatory decisions made by Netanyahu, which benefitted Shaul Elovitch and the Bezeq company.
Elovitch and his wife Iris are also suspected of giving bribes, obstruction of justice and money laundering. In addition, Stella Handler, the former CEO of Bezeq, and Amikam Shorer, the former chief strategy and corporate development Officer at Bezeq, could also face charges.
Arnon Mozes is the publisher and owner of Yedioth Ahronoth Group, which includes Ynet and Ynetnews.
Case 4000
This case, which is also known as the "Walla!-Bezeq affair," is considered by police and the Israel Securities Authority as the gravest of the three cases. Two of Netanyahu's top confidants - former Communications Ministry director-general Shlomo Filber and former media advisor Nir Hefetz - have turned state's witness and are believed to have provided police with incriminating evidence.
Netanyahu is suspected of taking bribes and acting in a conflict of interest by promoting regulations worth hundreds of millions of dollars to Bezeq and its then-majority shareholder Shaul Elovitch, including Bezeq's merger with the satellite TV company Yes. In return, the prime minister allegedly demanded - both directly and indirectly - to receive favorable coverage on Walla! News, which is owned by Bezeq.
According to the police investigation, from 2012 to 2017 the prime minister and his associates "blatantly intervened" on a near-daily basis in the Walla! News site, using the connections with Elovitch and his wife Iris to influence appointments there and to promote flattering articles and pictures while quelling critical stories of the prime minister and his family.
Police also said the Elovitches influenced the content published on Walla! News in return for regulatory decisions made by Netanyahu, which benefitted Shaul Elovitch and the Bezeq company.
Elovitch and his wife Iris are also suspected of giving bribes, obstruction of justice and money laundering. In addition, Stella Handler, the former CEO of Bezeq, and Amikam Shorer, the former chief strategy and corporate development Officer at Bezeq, could also face charges.
Arnon Mozes is the publisher and owner of Yedioth Ahronoth Group, which includes Ynet and Ynetnews.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit , during his stint as cabinet secretary
PM faces charges of fraud and breach of trust in two investigations and more serious charges of bribery in a third case; Netanyahu takes to Twitter to defend alleged attempts to improve his media profile via quid pro quo deals
Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit will announce on Thursday evening if he intends to recommend charges against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in three corruption cases, the Justice Ministry said in a statement. Israel's leader has denied any wrongdoing.
Netanyahu could be charged with fraud and breach of trust in Case 1000, in which he and his family are suspected of receiving illicit gifts from wealthy donors.
He also faces charges in Case 4000, in which he stands accused of a quid pro quo arrangement that saw him provide regulatory benefits in exchange for positive news coverage.
The case - also known as the "Walla!-Bezeq affair" - is considered by police and the Israel Securities Authority as the gravest of the three cases.
Netanyahu is suspected of taking bribes and acting in a conflict of interest by promoting regulations worth hundreds of millions of dollars to Bezeq and its then-majority shareholder Shaul Elovitch, including Bezeq's merger with the satellite TV company Yes.
In return, the prime minister allegedly demanded—both directly and indirectly—to receive favorable coverage on Walla! News, which is owned by Bezeq.
In third investigation, known as Case 2000, Netanyahu and Yedioth Ahronoth and Ynet owner Arnon Mozes allegedly discussed mutual assistance to promote one another's interests during private meetings that began in 2009 and lasted for several years.
As part of these talks, the two allegedly discussed the possibility of Mozes helping Netanyahu secure his position as prime minister through positive and favorable coverage in Yedioth Ahronoth. In return, the prime minister would aid Mozes to promote Yedioth's financial interests by initiating and supporting moves to weaken rival newspaper Israel Hayom.
Netanyahu took to Twitter early Thursday to argue that equating positive news coverage with a form of bribery would “remove Israel from the advanced countries that advocate freedom of expression and the press.”
Mandelblit announced earlier this year that he intended to charge Netanyahu with fraud and breach of trust in all three of the pending cases as well as bribery in Case 4000.
Other reports circulated suggesting the attorney general will announce the charges early next week.
But even if Netanyahu is indicted, the announcement does not likely spell the end of the saga ensnaring him and the electorate, given that his supporters contend he need only step down should he be found guilty.
PM faces charges of fraud and breach of trust in two investigations and more serious charges of bribery in a third case; Netanyahu takes to Twitter to defend alleged attempts to improve his media profile via quid pro quo deals
Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit will announce on Thursday evening if he intends to recommend charges against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in three corruption cases, the Justice Ministry said in a statement. Israel's leader has denied any wrongdoing.
Netanyahu could be charged with fraud and breach of trust in Case 1000, in which he and his family are suspected of receiving illicit gifts from wealthy donors.
He also faces charges in Case 4000, in which he stands accused of a quid pro quo arrangement that saw him provide regulatory benefits in exchange for positive news coverage.
The case - also known as the "Walla!-Bezeq affair" - is considered by police and the Israel Securities Authority as the gravest of the three cases.
Netanyahu is suspected of taking bribes and acting in a conflict of interest by promoting regulations worth hundreds of millions of dollars to Bezeq and its then-majority shareholder Shaul Elovitch, including Bezeq's merger with the satellite TV company Yes.
In return, the prime minister allegedly demanded—both directly and indirectly—to receive favorable coverage on Walla! News, which is owned by Bezeq.
In third investigation, known as Case 2000, Netanyahu and Yedioth Ahronoth and Ynet owner Arnon Mozes allegedly discussed mutual assistance to promote one another's interests during private meetings that began in 2009 and lasted for several years.
As part of these talks, the two allegedly discussed the possibility of Mozes helping Netanyahu secure his position as prime minister through positive and favorable coverage in Yedioth Ahronoth. In return, the prime minister would aid Mozes to promote Yedioth's financial interests by initiating and supporting moves to weaken rival newspaper Israel Hayom.
Netanyahu took to Twitter early Thursday to argue that equating positive news coverage with a form of bribery would “remove Israel from the advanced countries that advocate freedom of expression and the press.”
Mandelblit announced earlier this year that he intended to charge Netanyahu with fraud and breach of trust in all three of the pending cases as well as bribery in Case 4000.
Other reports circulated suggesting the attorney general will announce the charges early next week.
But even if Netanyahu is indicted, the announcement does not likely spell the end of the saga ensnaring him and the electorate, given that his supporters contend he need only step down should he be found guilty.
5 nov 2019
State witness Nir Hefetz
Attorney Uri Korb describes boundaries that police must follow when interrogating state witnesses and argues that a person should not be threatened with disclosing private information in his case
High-profile attorney Uri Korb said Tuesday he suspects foul means were used during the interrogations of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's former media advisor turn state's evidence Nir Hefetz, including extortion and intimidation.
In an interview with Ynet, attorney Korb referred to the boundaries that police must follow when interrogating state witnesses and argued that a person should not be threatened with disclosing private information in his case, while describing the fine line between legitimate investigative strategy and deviation from the principles of morality and the rights of the interrogatee.
"If an interrogator says 'I know certain things about you', while implying personal details will be leaked to the public, this is extortion, since a person may share or cooperate with the investigation," said Korb.
Hefetz is expected to incriminate Netanyahu in Case 4000, which involves an alleged plan to ease regulations for telecommunications mogul and Bezeq chief Shaul Elovitch in return for positive coverage on his Walla! news website.
The Ministry of Justice issued a reply on Tuesday, saying that the state witness's interrogation and the investigative methods used during the questioning are being examined.
"The Attorney General, alongside his staff, is currently conducting a procedure to review the allegations at the hearing before making a final decision," read the statement. "The claims made by the prime minister's attorneys on the gathering of Nir Hefetz's testimony are also being taken with serious consideration".
Of course, this is not appropriate, nor do we intend to conduct a parallel hearing through the media. The hearing procedure and the examination of the allegations followed is a professional process, clean of any foreign influence, and will continue to be in that manner".
We remind that the attorney general wrote at the time to the Chairman of the Bar Association that he is rest assured that police investigators have made it clear to the state witnesses that they are required to tell only the truth and that the state witnesses' testimonies were given voluntarily".
Attorney Uri Korb describes boundaries that police must follow when interrogating state witnesses and argues that a person should not be threatened with disclosing private information in his case
High-profile attorney Uri Korb said Tuesday he suspects foul means were used during the interrogations of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's former media advisor turn state's evidence Nir Hefetz, including extortion and intimidation.
In an interview with Ynet, attorney Korb referred to the boundaries that police must follow when interrogating state witnesses and argued that a person should not be threatened with disclosing private information in his case, while describing the fine line between legitimate investigative strategy and deviation from the principles of morality and the rights of the interrogatee.
"If an interrogator says 'I know certain things about you', while implying personal details will be leaked to the public, this is extortion, since a person may share or cooperate with the investigation," said Korb.
Hefetz is expected to incriminate Netanyahu in Case 4000, which involves an alleged plan to ease regulations for telecommunications mogul and Bezeq chief Shaul Elovitch in return for positive coverage on his Walla! news website.
The Ministry of Justice issued a reply on Tuesday, saying that the state witness's interrogation and the investigative methods used during the questioning are being examined.
"The Attorney General, alongside his staff, is currently conducting a procedure to review the allegations at the hearing before making a final decision," read the statement. "The claims made by the prime minister's attorneys on the gathering of Nir Hefetz's testimony are also being taken with serious consideration".
Of course, this is not appropriate, nor do we intend to conduct a parallel hearing through the media. The hearing procedure and the examination of the allegations followed is a professional process, clean of any foreign influence, and will continue to be in that manner".
We remind that the attorney general wrote at the time to the Chairman of the Bar Association that he is rest assured that police investigators have made it clear to the state witnesses that they are required to tell only the truth and that the state witnesses' testimonies were given voluntarily".
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