From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
Ex-Netanyahu aide: ‘I understood I could get out of the situation if I turned state witness’
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A former aide to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is cross-examined at the Jerusalem District Court a day after his testimony in so-called Case 2000.
The premier’s defense attorney questions Ari Harow on his testimony a day earlier and how he turned state witness.
“In December 2015 a police investigator told Harow that if he wants to get out of the situation, there are ways for it to happen. Was it like this?” Amit Hadad asks Harow.
Harow is himself under indictment for fraud and breach of trust and reached a plea bargain with the State Attorney’s Office in return for his testimony in Netanyahu’s trial.
“Yes, I understood that they wanted something related to the prime minister,” Harow responds, according to the Haaretz newspaper. “I think they told me there are ways out of this.”
“And you understand that this is about the prime minister, that you should give information about the prime minister to save your neck?” asks Hadad.
“Yes,” replies Harow.
In Case 2000, Netanyahu is accused of fraud and breach of trust over his alleged attempt to reach a quid pro quo agreement with Arnon “Noni” Mozes whereby the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper would give the prime minister more positive media coverage in exchange for legislation weakening Israel Hayom.
The Times of Israel Community.