Corruption case that shook Israel! Netanyahu accused of buying luxury gifts
Hollywood filmmaker Arnon Milchan is a witness in the “File 1000” case, in which Netanyahu is accused of “fraud and abuse of power” after receiving luxury gifts worth 700,000 shekels (180,000 euros) from wealthy people, including Milchan, between 2007 and 2016. as heard.
Milchan testified at the West Jerusalem District Court hearing via video link from a courtroom in Brighton, England. Netanyahu’s wife, Sara Netanyahu, also attended the hearing in the same courtroom.
As Prime Minister Netanyahu entered the courtroom in west Jerusalem, Milchan greeted him via video link and called the Israeli leader by the nickname “Hello Bibi.”
Describing Netanyahu as “approachable and approachable” in his statement, Milchan claimed that he bought cigars and champagne for the Netanyahu family and that the number of gifts they asked for increased over time.
“Did you give the defendant and his wife cigars and champagne?” To the question, Milchan answered in the affirmative.
LAST TALK WITH NETANYAHU IN 2021
The Hollywood producer claimed that he last spoke to Netanyahu in 2021 and that Netanyahu called him to thank him.
Regarding how his interaction with the Netanyahu family regarding expensive gifts works, Milchan said: “Sometimes it was on my initiative. I used to carry ‘rosa’ (champagne) and ‘leaf’ (cigar) when I went to visit. On other occasions, Bibi asks: ‘Are there leaves in the house?’ she asked her. We always had stocks at home, which often went to the prime minister and his wife. she used her statements.
The Israeli businessman said: “I would automatically buy roses, I didn’t have to ask. First it started with requests (from Netanyahu), then it became routine.” saying.
“I didn’t think there was anything that could lead to an investigation.” Milchan said, “As someone who has made millions of dollars in the film industry, the cost of such gifts doesn’t make much sense to him.”
Milchan stressed that he bought jewelry for Sara Netanyahu at least once, but was told by Prime Minister Netanyahu that “gifts from friends are acceptable, according to the Attorney General’s Office.”
HE DID IT AS AN INTELLIGENCE AGENCY FOR ISRAEL
Milchan, who served as an intelligence agent for Israel in the 1960s, stated that he was also close to former prime ministers Shimon Peres and Ariel Sharon in addition to Netanyahu, adding: “(This) was part of my efforts behind scene to make peace with the Palestinians. I can’t go into detail about some of the things Bibi and I did in government service.” He said.
At the end of the hearing, the prosecution demanded that a hearing be held during the July holiday period and that the process be expedited.
Israeli businessman, producer and intelligence agent Arnon Milchan (78) has produced many famous films including Fight Club, Mr and Mrs Smith, 12 Years a Slave, The Revenant and JFK.
NETANYAHU CORRUPTION CASES
On November 21, 2019, Israel’s Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit demanded that Netanyahu be prosecuted in three separate corruption cases on charges of “bribery, treason, and abuse of office for personal gain.”
Netanyahu’s first hearing, who went down in history as the first Israeli prime minister to stand trial while in office, was held at the West Jerusalem District Court on May 24, 2020.
In the area of the corruption investigation, the accusation of granting financial concessions worth $276 million to the company in exchange for news in favor of the Netanyahu family on the website called “Walla News”, which is part of the company of Telecommunications “Bezeq”, owned by Shaul Elovitch, attracts attention.
In the file, which was processed in connection with the crimes of bribery and abuse of power, it is alleged that $283,000 worth of champagne, cigars, jewelry and plane tickets were purchased from Israeli Hollywood filmmaker Arnon Milchan and Australian billionaire James Packer under the name Gifts.
The indictment states that there is ample evidence that the gifts were given to Netanyahu in exchange for political gain.
It is also alleged that the owner of the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, Arnon Mozes, and Netanyahu allegedly agreed with the government to pass legislation to reduce the competitiveness of rival Israel Hayom, in exchange for the newspaper’s editorial policy favoring the Likud leader.
Netanyahu, who will likely face up to 10 years in prison if convicted at the end of the trial, insists he is innocent of the charges in three separate cases against him and does not accept the charges. (AA)