Netanyahu Indicted First Time History Sitting Prime Minister Charged

Israel’s Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit announced on Feb. 28, 2019, that Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be charged with breach of trust, fraud, and bribery, following a two-year investigation.

Mandelblit said breach of trust and fraud charges should be brought up against Netanyahu regarding Case 1000. This case alleges Netanyahu’s wife, Sara, received gifts of jewelry and cigars worth approximately $280,000 from several benefactors. It is claimed that Producer Arnon Milchan, who was born in Israel, best known for his movies including “Pretty Woman” and “Fight Club,” and business executive James Packer were amongst the benefactors. In exchange for the gifts, the individuals received political favors.

Last year, police recommended an indictment against Netanyahu. They alleged he promoted an extension to the law regarding tax exemptions for Israeli born people who return to the state after ten years. Milchan would have benefited from this exemption. It is also alleged Netanyahu lobbied U.S. officials to help Milchan obtain his United States visa.

Mandelblit also said Netanyahu should be charged regarding Case 2000. This case centered on an alleged deal he made with the Ynet news website and Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper publisher Arnon Mozes. Netanyahu would advance legislation aimed to weaken competitors of Mozes. In return, the publications would print positive articles about him.

It was also recommended Netanyahu be indicted on charges surrounding Case 4000. The prime minister is accused of lowering business regulations for the majority shareholder of Bezeq, Shaul Elovitch. Bezeq is Israel’s largest telecommunications company. In exchange, Elovitch who owns the popular news Website, Walla! would give favorable coverage to him and his wife.

Israeli police reported they had obtained evidence showing that while Netanyahu was prime minister and the minister of communications from 2014 to 2017, he intervened with the regulations helping Bezeq merge with another Israeli communications company. Elovitch, in exchange, instructed Walla! journalists to write favorable stories about Netanyahu and his wife.

Netanyahu says even indicted, he will no quit. Under Israeli law, he is not required to step down until he has been convicted and exhausted all appeals. The indictment is the first time in the history of Israel a sitting prime minister has been charged with criminal activity.

Written by Barbara Sobel

Sources:

NBC News: Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicted on bribe and fraud charges
BBC: Benjamin Netanyahu: Israel PM faces corruption charges
CNN: Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu to be indicted on corruption charges, pending hearing

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