Netanyahu indicted ahead of Mideast plan announcement
Case 4000: The Walla-Bezeq Case
In the most serious case, prosecutors say Netanyahu advanced regulatory benefits worth more than 1 billion shekels (approximately $280 million) to his friend, millionaire Shaul Elovitch, who owned the Walla! News website as part of his control of the Bezeq telecommunications company.
Prosecutors say that in exchange Netanyahu, who also served at that time as Israel’s Minister of Communications, received favorable news coverage on Walla! as well as influence over the choice of stories and language used.
Beginning in late 2012, prosecutors say Netanyahu made «hundreds of demands, sometimes on a daily basis» for more positive news coverage, especially during election periods. On election day in 2015, prosecutors say Netanyahu demanded that the website feature prominently a video in which he declared, «The Arabs [are] going to the polls in droves.»
Israeli Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit described the relationship between Netanyahu and Elovitch as «intensive, frequent, and extraordinary,» adding that relations involving the wives of the two men were at a similar level.
Case 1000: The Gifts Case
Prosecutors say that between 2011 and 2016, Netanyahu received gifts from overseas businessmen, including expensive cigars and Champagne, which later turned into a «supply line.» The value of the gifts was approximately $200,000. In particular, the gifts came from Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan and Australian businessman James Packer.
«The deliveries of Champagne were generally made at your wife’s request,» prosecutors wrote. «The deliveries of cigars were sometimes made at your request as well.»
In return for the gifts, prosecutors say, Netanyahu helped Milchan with visa applications to the United States. Netanyahu also allegedly sought to pass tax amendments that would have benefited Milchan. Milchan and Packer have both maintained they are innocent. Netanyahu has also said the gifts his wife accepted were exchanges between friends.
Case 2000: The Yedioth Ahronot Case
Prosecutors say Netanyahu sought to make a deal with Arnon «Noni» Mozes, the owner of Israel’s Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, that would have seen Netanyahu receive more favorable coverage. In return, the Israeli leader would then pursue legislation that would limit the circulation of Yedioth Ahronoth’s rival, Israel HaYom — at least that is what Netanyahu wanted Mozes to believe, prosecutors say.
The largest newspaper in the country, Israel HaYom, is owned by Sheldon Adelson and is widely seen as a mouthpiece for Netanyahu.
Prosecutors wrote in a filing against Netanyahu that the Prime Minister was “clearly taking advantage of your public role” in leading Mozes to believe he would promote legislation to benefit him.
Both Netanyahu and Mozes have said their discussions were not serious; rather, they each claim they were trying to expose the other’s lack of trustworthiness. Mozes, who faces a potential charge of bribery, has insisted he is innocent.
