Strip club tape lands Netanyahu’s son in hot water
ISRAELI Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s son has been caught on tape seemingly drunk outside a strip club talking about a key natural gas deal, leading to political fallout.
The audio recording of Yair Netanyahu, who has been the subject of controversy in the past, led to further criticism of his father’s handling of Israel’s natural gas industry.
Yair, 26, can be heard speaking with the son of Kobi Maimon, a stakeholder in a company that owns a share in Israel’s offshore Tamar gas field.
Their conversation includes talk of strippers and prostitutes.
Yair apologised and said he was only joking about the gas deal while under the influence of alcohol.
“These statements do not represent who I am nor the values on which I was raised,” he said.
“Regarding what I said about the gas deal, it was a joke. Anyone with a bit of common sense understands that right away.”
Netanyahu faced a difficult political battle over Israel’s natural gas arrangements, with opponents saying they overly favour the companies involved.
Labour party leader Avi Gabbay said the recording was a new stain on the corrupt gas deal.
There was also criticism over Yair’s security arrangements, with at least two politicians calling for an investigation. A security guard employed by the state purportedly accompanied Yair to the strip club.
Netanyahu’s office said it was not consulted on protection arrangements for children decided upon by the security services.
The Netanyahus said the broadcast of the recording was part of a witch-hunt against the family that has reached an unprecedented low.
“Apparently, everything is fair game to attack the Netanyahu government and family, including using a secret and illegal recording of young men drinking alcohol,” it said.
The family said that Netanyahu had no relationship with Maimon and was not aware of Yair’s friendship with his son.
It said the premier had met Maimon once, 10 years ago.
According to the family, the recording was made by a driver from the prime minister’s office.
Israeli media reported that the driver had long since resigned for unrelated reasons.
The recording was a new blow to Netanyahu, who is already facing two separate graft investigations.
Police are probing Netanyahu over allegations he received expensive gifts from wealthy supporters.
He is also being investigated over an alleged deal he sought with a newspaper publisher for favourable coverage.