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Benjamin Netanyahu’s former Chief of Staff is reportedly in negotiations to become a state witness and testify in three cases involving the Prime Minister.

Ari Harow has been under personal investigation over allegations of impropriety in the handling of his consulting firm, but is also believed to have evidence relevant to three cases against the Netanyahu.

Harow is suspected to have information relevant to “Case 1000,” relating to valuable gifts the Prime Minister reportedly received from wealthy businessmen, including Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan.

In the investigation known as “Case 2000,” Harow was the person who recorded conversations between Netanyahu and Yedioth Ahronoth publisher Arnon Mozes in which the Prime Minister is alleged to have offered to restrict the circulation of Israel Hayom – a rival newspaper distributed free and funded by Netanyahu’s political supporter, US businessman Sheldon Adelson – in return for more favourable coverage from Yediot Ahronot.

On Wednesday it was reported that that Harow may have information relating to a third case, named “Case 3000,” which relates to an alleged graft in the procurement by Israel of naval vessels from German supplier ThyssenKrupp. Netanyahu’s lawyer and close confidant David Shimron has already been questioned over his involvement in the case. ThyssenKrupp’s agent Mickey Ganor, who engaged the services of Shimron, has turned state’s witness.

The Prime Minister has denied wrongdoing in relation to any of the cases, and is not a suspect in the submarine case. However, with the pace of the investigations appearing to quicken, the question has arisen of whether he will be forced to resign if indicted, as Ehud Olmert did in 2008.

Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked said yesterday that Prime Minister Netanyahu would not need to resign even if indicted, and that only a very serious charge would warrant toppling the government.