Sara Netanyahu suspected of taking bribes in Bezeq probe, police say
Officers say there is evidence PM and his wife, as well as owner of telecoms firm and his spouse, were aware of financial implications of alleged scheme
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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s wife is suspected of receiving bribes in a high-profile corruption investigation that has ensnared the premier and the owner of Israel’s largest telecommunications firm, police said Thursday.
Sara Netanyahu has previously been questioned in so-called Case 4000, which involves suspicions the prime minister advanced regulation benefiting Bezeq owner Shaul Elovitch in exchange for positive coverage from Elovitch’s Walla news site.
A police representative told the Tel Aviv Magistrate’s Court that there is evidence that Elovitch and his wife, Iris, as well as Benjamin and Sara Netanyahu, were all aware of the financial implications of the alleged scheme.
A report in March from Channel 10 news said police are in possession of correspondence between Sara Netanyahu and Iris Elovitch, including Whatsapp messages relating to the benefits extended to Bezeq and complaints from the prime minister’s wife over Walla’s coverage.
The revelations by police at Thursday’s hearing were made in response to a question from Iris Elovitch’s attorney on whether Sara Netanyahu was aware the flattering press from Walla was allegedly made in exchange for regulatory favors.
At the hearing, a representative for the State Prosecutor’s Office said the investigation is in its “advanced stages” and is expected to be transferred to prosecutors in the next six months following additional investigatory work.
The hearing dealt with a police request to extend a freeze on the Elovitches’ assets for an additional six months.
Lawyers for Sara Netanyahu dismissed the police announcement and insisted on their client’s innocence.
“What is new in this absurd ‘suspicion?'” her lawyers asked in a statement to the press. “So what if the police said it? It never happened.”
Hadashot TV news reported that Yair Netanyahu, one of the couple’s two sons, is also suspected of bribery in the case. The report said the two are suspected of coordinating coverage with Iris Elovitch and the CEO of Walla on behalf of the prime minister, and could thus potentially be charged with receiving bribes despite not being public officials.
Earlier this month, police interrogated Prime Minister Netanyahu in connection with Case 4000, marking the 11th time he has faced police over a series of corruption probes. Sara Netanyahu was last questioned in the case in March.
Police are reportedly leaning toward recommending the prime minister be charged with bribery in the case.
Netanyahu has denied wrongdoing in Case 4000 and in two other corruption probes in which police have recommended he stand trial for taking bribes.
Those cases also involve suspicions he advanced businessmen’s interests in exchange for favors.
In addition to her legal woes in Case 4000, Sara Netanyahu was charged in June for alleged misuse of some $100,000 in state funds. She is set to be tried on the charges next month.
She has denied wrongdoing.
The Times of Israel Community.