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Key Witness Incriminates Netanyahu |
| By
Stephen Lendman |
| According to Israel’s Channel 2, former Netanyahu chief of staff/close
confidant Ari Harow turned state’s witness, incriminating his former boss
on bribery and perhaps other offenses. Netanyahu has avoided prosecution on earlier dubious activities. Whether his checkered past caught up with him remains to be seen. His highest of high crimes are never mentioned, including partnering in US wars of aggression, waging his own, along with daily persecution of Palestinians, flagrantly violating international law. He’s potentially liable for bribery, fraud, and breach or trust. According to Israel’s Channel 2, Harow incriminated him in a so-called Case 2000, discussed in a previous day article. It involves getting caught red-handed on tape, negotiating a quid pro quo with Yedioth Ahronoth publisher Arnon Mozes for more favorable broadsheet coverage in return for legislation prohibiting distribution of the free daily Israel Hayom, YA’s main competitor, owned by Netanyahu supporter Sheldon Adelson. Mozes was caught on tape, saying “(i)f we can come to an agreement (for legislation prohibiting Israel Hayom’s free distribution), I will do all I can to make sure you stay (in power) as long as you want. I’m looking you in the eye, and saying this as clearly as I can.” Harow reportedly told police Netanyahu asked him to “advance matters” with Mozes. A gag order through mid-September prevents more detailed information from coming out. Adelson reportedly testified about Netanyahu raising the possibility of canceling some of his Israel Hayom’s weekend supplements, reducing its appeal and audience size. It’s for state prosecutors to decide if indicting Netanyahu is warranted. According to justice minister Ayelet (“little snakes”) Shaked, he won’t have to resign if charged with wrongdoing. He may have no choice. His coalition partners may demand it. If indicted, he’ll be considerably weakened. He’s also vulnerable to charges in the so-called Case 1,000, involving suspicion of inappropriately or illegally receiving lavish gifts from wealthy supporters, amounting to possible bribery. Harow is testifying against him in both probes - in return for leniency on charges he faces. Knowing where the bodies are buried, as the saying goes, he may be able to end Netanyahu’s deplorable career as Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, surpassing David Ben Gurion, provided he completes his current four-year term in 2019. If charged and forced to step down, prosecutors will rid Israel of the scourge he represents - what enough voters failed to do. VISIT MY NEW WEB SITE: stephenlendman.org (Home - Stephen Lendman). Contact at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net. My newest book as editor and contributor is titled "Flashpoint in Ukraine: How the US Drive for Hegemony Risks WW III." http://www.claritypress.com/LendmanIII.html Listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network. |