Casino mogul to be questioned in Netanyahu probe

During a visit to Israel next week, American casino mogul Sheldon Adelson will testify regarding allegations of wrongdoing by Netanyahu.

American casino mogul Sheldon Adelson will give testimony to Israeli police concerning their investigation into allegations of wrongdoing by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israel’s Channel 2 reported Sunday that Adelson, a close confidante of Netanyahu, and his wife will be questioned by police during their visit to Israel next week.

Netanyahu supposedly tried to trade better coverage in a major Hebrew newspaper in exchange for reducing the circulation of a free Israeli daily owned by Adelson.

The case, known as Case 2000, involves an alleged pact between Netanyahu and Yediot Aharonot publisher Noni Mozes, in which the prime minister proposed to use his power to weaken Yediot’s main rival, the Adelson-owned Israel Hayom, through passage of a law curbing the latter’s distribution in return for more positive coverage of the Netanyahu government in Mozes’ paper.

According to the report, Adelson agreed to talk to police only when informed that he was not suspected of criminal activity.

A police spokesperson declined to comment on the report.

The investigation is one of several into alleged corruption by Netanyahu. Thus far, none have resulted in indictments.

While Case 2000 has not yielded sufficient evidence to lead to an indictment, Israel’s NRG news site estimated in March that Case 1000, which involves Netanyahu’s alleged receiving of expensive gifts from wealthy supporters, possibly in return for favors, could lead to charges.

Netanyahu has been questioned several times over recent months on these cases. He has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, claiming the allegations are a witch hunt by a hostile media against him and his family.

By: AP and World Israel News Staff

CorruptionCrimeNetanyahuSheldon Adelson