NETANYAHU DEFIANT AMID BRIBERY CLAIMS
This is one of the biggest challenges in his political career
ISRAEL’S Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday said his coalition government remained stable and would continue to govern despite police recommendations he be indicted for bribery.
“I want to reassure you, the coalition is stable. No one, not I, nor anyone else, has plans to go to an election. We will continue to work with you for the good of Israel’s citizens until the end of the term,” Netanyahu said at a conference here.
His remarks came the morning after Israeli police made public their recommendations, presenting Netanyahu with one of the biggest challenges in his political career. It is now up to Israel’s attorney-general to decide whether to file charges, a process that could take months.
Netanyahu denied wrongdoing in both police criminal investigations that have gone on for more than a year.
One case, known as Case 1000, alleged the “committing of crimes of bribery, fraud and breach of trust by the prime minister”.
Police named Arnon Milchan, a Hollywood producer and Israeli citizen, and Australian businessman James Packer, saying they gave gifts that included champagne, cigars and jewellery to Netanyahu and his family. The merchandise was worth more than one million shekels (RM1.1 million), the statement said.
Any legal proceedings would likely focus on whether political favours were sought or granted. Netanyahu’s lawyers said the presents were tokens of friendship.
The second, Case 2000, alleged “bribery, fraud and breach of trust by the prime minister” relating to dealings with Arnon Mozes, the publisher of the biggest-selling Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth.
The two men, police said, discussed ways of slowing the growth of a rival daily newspaper, Israel Hayom, “through legislation and other means”.
Police said they believed there was sufficient evidence to charge Mozes with offering a bribe.
Netanyahu was critical of the police in his remarks yesterday, as he had been for months.
“After reading the recommendations report, I can say that it is a biased, extreme document full of holes, like Swiss cheese.
“I am certain, as I have always been certain, and nothing has changed, that the truth will come to light and nothing will come of this.”