Netanyahu to be investigated by police for a third time

The prime minister is expected to be interrogated by police for a third time regarding allegations that concern his meetings with Yediot Aharonot publisher Noni Mozes.

By YONAH JEREMY BOB, JPOST.COM STAFF
Updated: JANUARY 27, 2017 00:48
PRIME MINISTER Benjamin Netanyahu responds to the speech given in Washington on Wednesday by Secretary of State John Kerry. (photo credit: REUTERS)
PRIME MINISTER Benjamin Netanyahu responds to the speech given in Washington on Wednesday by Secretary of State John Kerry.
(photo credit: REUTERS)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is slated to be interrogated by police for the third time at his Jerusalem residence on Friday.
The premier is set to be questioned again on his meetings with Yediot Aharonot publisher Arnon “Noni” Mozes, according to a Channel 2 report on Thursday. In the 2014 meetings, Netanyahu allegedly discussed passing a law that would force Israel Hayom to charge for its paper.
The move would have severely weakened the daily, which is Yediot’s main competitor and has significantly cut into its revenues.
In return, Mozes reportedly promised the prime minister better coverage in Yediot Aharonot.
Mozes was questioned on the matter, which police dub “Case 2000,” for the sixth time on Thursday.
According to the report, police are also expected to further question Netanyahu regarding “Case 1000,” in which the premier is suspected of having illegally received gifts from Israeli and foreign businessmen worth hundreds of thousands of shekels.
The prime minister has repeatedly denied the allegations, saying “nothing will happen, because there is nothing.”
In a Facebook post on Thursday, Netanyahu lashed out at those who he said were pressuring the attorney-general and law enforcement officials to move the case forward.
Referencing media appearances by former prime minister Ehud Barak and Zionist Union MK Miki Rosenthal, Netanyahu said media figures and politicians are applying pressure to “issue an indictment at all costs.”
“This is an undemocratic attempt to overthrow the government,” he added.
Netanyahu expressed the same sentiments during a question- and-answer session in the Knesset on Wednesday.
“The hypocrisy is running wild,” he said. “Their goal is to topple the Likud government under my leadership, and in order to do so all means are valid.”
Jerusalem Post staff contributed to this report.