Netanyahu aide set to testify over scandal
ISRAEL: Benjamin Netanyahu’s former chief of staff may turn state’s evidence and testify against him in a series of corruption inquiries.
Ari Harow is in negotiations over two separate cases. In one, Netanyahu is accused of accepting gifts from wealthy benefactors in return for favours.
The prime minister has denied any wrongdoing but investigators are thought to be preparing to file an indictment later this year.
The second affair, known as Case 2000, involves the publisher of Yediot Aharonot, the most widely read paid-for daily newspaper in Israel. It has long been critical of the prime minister, owing partly to a 20-year-old feud between Netanyahu and Arnon Mozes, the publisher.
In a series of meetings Mozes is alleged to have offered to tone down the criticism in exchange for Netanyahu’s help in limiting the circulation of Israel Hayom, a free daily and his main competitor. It is funded by Sheldon Adelson, the American casino mogul, and has hit Yediot’s revenues by offering advertisements at cheaper rates.
Police are investigating whether discussions between Mr Netanyahu and Mr Mozes on the subject were illegal.
Harow is himself facing bribery and fraud charges; he is accused of using his ties to the prime minister to profit from the sale of his consulting firm. The Case 2000 inquiry was prompted by recordings of conversations found on Harow’s mobile phones.
The allegations against Netanyahu led to him shortening an official trip to Europe last month to deal with them.
David Shimron, his lawyer, was questioned in July over alleged conflicts of interest concerning Israel’s US$1.3 billion (NZ$1.7b) submarine deal with the German conglomerate ThyssenKrupp. Last year Netanyahu fast-tracked the deal to buy three submarines over the objections of his defence minister, who said they were unnecessary.
Shimron, a cousin of the prime minister, worked for a company that advised ThyssenKrupp. Police have questioned him and six other officials, including a former navy chief, on suspicion of paying bribes to accelerate the deal. He has denied the charges.
A separate case involves the heads of Bezeq, the Israeli telecoms monopoly, who are suspected of colluding with the communications ministry to draft favourable policies.
Netanyahu is not a suspect in either case but will probably be called to testify. - The Times