According to a Haaretz report, the investigation against Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu for allegedly accepting gifts, known as Case 2000, has revealed police have Mr. Netanyahu on tape recording negotiating a deal providing mutual benefits to him and a businessman. He is reportedly seeking the businessman’s support to assist him to remain in office in exchange for “huge financial benefits”.

That said, Channel 2 reports that based on the evidence gathered by police in the case, it is currently uncertain if there is sufficient evidence to move ahead with a criminal indictment. There is also Case 1000, both investigating alleged acceptance of gifts from businessmen including Israeli movie mogul Arnon Milchan.

It is explained that Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit is studying the case and weighing the evidence, aware of the fact a criminal indictment would likely lead to the collapse of the government and at the end of the day, the Prime Minister might be acquitted. This would give strength to backers of a bill that prevent questioning and charging a ruling prime minister during his tenure, citing these reasons as well as the fact it severely detracts from the Prime Minister’s ability to run the country.

A motzei Shabbos report from Channel 2 added Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon would possibly form a temporary government with the Machane Tzioni opposition party. Finance Minister Kahlon was quick to respond by twitter, denying the accuracy of the report.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)