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Report – Yediot Ahronot publisher key figure in Netanyahu investigation
Media reports have suggested that the investigation of Israel’s Prime Minister involves a supposed quid pro quo deal with the publisher of leading Israeli newspaper considered critical of the premier.
Channel Two reported that a recording exists of a conversation between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and publisher of Yediot Ahronot Noni Mozes, in which Netanyahu indicates that he would support a bill limiting the circulation of Yediot Ahronot’s main rival, Israel Hayom, in return for more positive coverage. Channel Ten claimed that Netanyahu specifically asked Mozes to drop a story involving his son Yair.
The recording was reportedly made at Netanyahu’s request by his Chief of Staff at the time. The existence of such a conversation is regarded as highly surprising given that Netanyahu has routinely publicly condemned Mozes, alleging that he is waging a media campaign to oust him.
Last week, Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit confirmed that Netanyahu is being questioned “on suspicion of receiving improper benefits from businessmen”. The Prime Minister has since been questioned twice by police. Although no details regarding the cases have been released, media reports strongly suggest they are centred around gifts or favours from two businessmen.
It has also been suggested that Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan is the focus in one of the cases and has handed Netanyahu gifts over a number of years. Over the weekend, it was suggested by Channel Ten’s investigative reporter Raviv Drucker that Netanyahu asked for US Secretary of State John Kerry’s help in 2014 in securing Milchan a ten-year US visa instead of a single-year visa.
Netanyahu reportedly told his cabinet yesterday: “Now that I know what is being [investigated] I can tell you with certainty: there will be nothing because there is nothing.”
Senior Zionist Union MK Tzipi Livni has suggested that “Netanyahu must decide if he wants to be an oligarch or Prime Minister”.
Netanyahu’s former Defence Minister Moshe Ya’alon told Channel Two: “The time has come for the State of Israel to have a Prime Minister we don’t need to investigate.”