Channel 2 News has released quotes from conversations between Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Yediot Achronot Publisher Nuni Mozes in which the two are heard promising to assist one another. Mozes reportedly told the Prime Minister that if he backs a law to stifle the growth of competitor Yisrael Hayom, he, Yediot Achronot, will be there for him to make sure he remains in office for as long as he wishes. This is taken from a conversation dating back to 2014. Channel 2 is quick to add that unlike some other previously-quoted conversations, in this case, it does not have a copy to verify the integrity of the report, which it received from “reliable sources”.

They are quoted speaking about MKs Yariv Levine (Likud) and Eitan Cabel (Machane Tzioni) to assist. It is pointed out that it was Cabel who initiated a bill against Yisrael Hayom, seeking to make it illegal to distribute the newspaper for free. The newspaper, which is owned by close Netanyahu-friend Sheldon Adelson, is viewed as being pro-Netanyahu as opposed to the other dailies which are viewed as aligning with the left-wing. Mr. Netanyahu expressed concerns over “Gingie” (red haired in Hebrew), the name he used to refer to Adelson, clearly expecting a harsh reaction from him to any measures to stifle his newspaper, which today is the largest Israeli daily.

Channel 10 News last week reported an indictment against PM Netanyahu is likely in this case. The Prime Minister allegedly accepted unauthorized/illegal gifts to the tune of NIS 600,000. The latter is in addition to the dealings with Mozes.

Mozes is expected to be questioned this week for a second time and PM Netanyahu for a third time as the investigations move forward.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)