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Netanyahu Finally in the Dock?

Written by Subject: Israel

Netanyahu Finally in the Dock?

by Stephen Lendman (stephenlendman.org - Home - Stephen Lendman)

Following many months of investigation, Israeli police intend recommending Netanyahu be indicted for bribery and breach of trust.

His most serious high crimes aren't addressed, including wars of aggression on Gaza, along with daily state terror against millions of defenseless Palestinians - far graver offenses than civil wrongdoing.

Israeli police don't charge or prosecute offenders. Israel's attorney general heads its Prosecution Service, bringing charges when made against allegedly culpable individuals.

The Prosecution Service is charged with representing Israeli police in court proceedings.

Have years of wrongdoing finally caught up to Netanyahu? He calls what's going on a coup attempt. Others hope his downfall is near.

Earlier articles explained he might be charged with bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, including for accepting about $1.1 million in illicit gifts from accused French fraudster Arnaud Mimran, Israeli billionaire Arnon Milchan and others.

He could face charges in so-called Cases 1,000 and 2,000 - the first on suspicion of inappropriately or illegally receiving lavish gifts from wealthy supporters, amounting to possible bribery.

The second case involves him 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."

Haaretz editor-in-chief Aluf Benn believes Netanyahu's days as prime minister are numbered, accusing him of lying and getting others to lie for him. 

In saying he won't step down voluntarily, he didn't deny what's explained above. He believes "political power is meant to serve those who wield it, not the public," Benn stressed.

Israeli police formally recommended Netanyahu be charged with bribery and breach of trust Tuesday evening. On Monday, recommendations were presented to Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit. He alone can bring charges.

Close Netanyahu confidant Ari Harow turned state's witness against him. So did Yesh Atid party leader/former Likud finance minister Yair Lapid - both figures reportedly providing police with key evidence. 

Netanyahu's wife Sara could face charges - for involvement in receiving large illicit gifts, along with using public funds for personal housekeeping and other expenses.

Police also recommended Yedioth Ahronoth publisher Arnon Mozes be indicted for bribery. More information is expected in the days ahead. Others may face charges.

Likud's main opposition party Zionist Union called for Netanyahu to resign immediately, issuing a statement saying:

"The police recommendations are clear, tough and decisive. It's a difficult evening when Israel Police recommends prosecuting a prime minister in Israel with bribery, fraud and breach of trust."

"Tonight, Zionist Union backs the police investigators, the chief of police and all the law enforcement bodies who did not flinch from investigating a prime minister. It's a badge of honor for all of us."

"The time has come to put an end to the culture of government corruption, which is destroying everything good in the country. After nine years of Netanyahu, the public deserves a new leadership and a clean, honest prime minister."

Zionist Union leader Avi Gabby believes "the end of the Netanyahu era" is near.

Zionist Union MK Shelly Yachimovitch tweeted bluntly: "A corrupt tyrant with no restraint, whom the police ask to have accused of the most serious crimes of corruption, announces that he's not going." 

"His actions are corrupt and ugly, his behavior is violent and egocentric, he's prepared to destroy everything so long as he survives." 

"Go, go, corrupt man. And you, his partners, if you allow him to serve in this nightmare, then the stain of corruption will stick to you for ever too."

Meretz party MK Ilan Gilon called for Netanyahu to resign, saying a "heavy shadow" hangs over him.

Joint (Arab) List party leader Ayman Odel said he's "a corrupt and dangerous prime minister, and tonight he's even more dangerous, because it's clear that from the moment that his seat becomes unstable, he will do everything to stay in government. Netanyahu must go…"

Will Netanyahu finally be charged with wrongdoing, be prosecuted and forced to resign? Will he be convicted and imprisoned?

A previous article explained no Israeli politician was ever held accountable for high crimes against Palestinians, supporting terrorism, or terror-bombing other countries - far more serious offenses than civil wrongdoing.

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My newest book as editor and contributor is titled "Flashpoint in Ukraine: How the US Drive for Hegemony Risks WW III."

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