New materials revealed in Netanyahu probe, but few developments foreseen
New recordings revealed in Case 2000 may have few repercussions.
By TAMARA ZIEVEUpdated: MAY 18, 2018 01:02Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends the weekly cabinet meeting at his office in Jerusalem.(photo credit: REUTERS)
New materials in Case 2000 are not expected to result in any dramatic developments concerning Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to information provided by a senior law-enforcement official to Kan radio on Thursday.Nir Hefetz, a state witness in another probe against Netanyahu and former spokesman for the Netanyahu family, revealed Wednesday new recordings in Case 2000, which will result in a fresh round of questioning of Netanyahu, as well as MK Eitan Cabel, after problems of reliability were found in the version of events the latter gave when summoned to testify as part of the corruption investigation.In 2014, Cabel initiated the “Israel Hayom bill” that would have outlawed the distribution of free newspapers, including the pro-Netanyahu newspaper Israel Hayom. Case 2000 probes an alleged arrangement between Netanyahu and Yediot Ahronot publisher Arnon Mozes to weaken Israel Hayom in exchange for better coverage of him in Yediot Ahronot.A few weeks ago, Attorney-General Avichai Mandelblit approved the reopening of Case 2000 following the information received from Hefetz.The new materials provided by Hefetz include recordings of Sara and Yair Netanyahu, Kan reported.About three weeks ago, Kan reported that the State Prosecutor’s Office had begun completing investigations into cases 1000 and 2000, including summoning witnesses, following an official request by the State Attorney’s Office. This was due to information received from various state witnesses.Case 1000 relates to gifts given by billionaires Arnon Milchan and James Packer to Benjamin and Sara Netanyahu, including expensive cigars, champagne and other gifts worth a total of some NIS 1 million over several years.The prime minister had admitted to having received those gifts and that he undertook various acts to assist Milchan in various business and personal areas, but he denies any connection between the gifts and the assistance he gave Milchan.
