Israeli PM Netanyahu denies charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust despite being indicted
The Prime Minister of Israel – Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected the charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust as baseless, despite being indicted by the Attorney General of Israel – Avichai Mandelblit on Thursday, November 21, 2019.
This is for the first time in the history of Israel that a sitting Prime Minister is facing indictment in criminal proceedings. Netanyahu has termed the allegations as false and politically motivated. He also accused the investigators of conspiring against him. Ever since the investigations were made public in 2017, Netanyahu has conducted a campaign to delegitimize the investigations as media-fuelled witch hunt.
Speaking on the occasion, Netanyahu said, “What is going on here is an attempt to stage a coup against the prime minister. The object of the investigations was to oust the right-wing from government.”
In a 15 minutes speech, Netanyahu lashed out at the opposition and State institutions, Police and Judiciary. He also said that the people making the investigation should be investigated. Most importantly, he vowed to serve as the Prime Minister despite Court dates and political pressure.
“I will continue to lead this country, according to the letter of the law,” he said. “I will not allow lies to win,” said Netanyahu.
As per the law of Israel, Netanyahu is not required to step down even if he is indicted. He can be forced to resign if all the charges against him are proved in the Court. If convicted, he could face 10 years in prison and / or a fine for bribery charges. Besides, he will also be sentenced to 3 years of imprisonment for fraud and breach of trust.
For the records, in February 2019, Mandelblit announced to indict Netanyahu on the basis of Police recommendations. The cases on Netanyahu were listed as Cases 4,000, 1,000, and 2,000.
Charge 1 – Case 4,000
The Case 4,000 says that Netanyahu gave regulatory benefits worth more than 1 billion Shekels (approximately U.S. $ 280 million) to his millionaire friend – Shaul Elovitch, the controlling shareholder of Israeli telecommunications giant – Bezeq and owner of a News website – Walla. The advances were made for getting positive coverage on news website in exchange for policies benefitting Bezeq.
During the February filing, Mandelblit wrote, “Elovitch gave you the above-mentioned favours in the expectation and mutual understanding that with regard to your power, position, and authority, you … would be able to help him promote matters that would give him, directly or indirectly, enormous benefits of a business and financial nature.”
Prosecutors say that 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.”
Charge 2 – Case 1,000
Case 1,000 alleges Netanyahu and his wife wrongfully received gifts from Arnon Milchan, a Hollywood producer and Israeli citizen, as well as from Australian billionaire James Packer, in return for political favours. The gifts including champagne and cigars were valued at U.S. $ 200,000. In return, Netanyahu helped Milchan with visa applications to the United States, by directly speaking to the then Secretary of State of the U.S. – John Kerry.
Responding to charges, Netanyahu and his wife – Sara said that the gifts were exchanged as a gesture between friends and there is nothing wrong in it.
Charge 3 – Case 2,000
In Case 2,000, Netanyahu is suspected to have struck a deal with the owner of Israel’s daily newspaper ‘Yedioth Ahronoth’ to receive favourable media coverage in return for legislation that would slow the growth of competing newspaper ‘Israel Hayom’.
What next?
The right-winger Netanyahu, who came to power in 2009 is the longest serving Prime Minister of Israel. The indictment might permanently ruin his political career if his allies break away from him. He will continue to serve as the Prime Minister till he has the support of his own Political Party – Lukid and other religious parties such. If his allies think he is more of a liability, they may remove him. However, as of now, there s nothing of this sort happening.
