Netanyahu questioned by police for 6th time

The investigation into Netanyahu’s alleged corruption continues as he faced a sixth round of questioning by police.

By: Aryeh Savir, World Israel News

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was questioned under caution by police for several hours on Sunday evening at his official residence in Jerusalem.  The Prime Minister is being investigation  over suspicions of corruption and receipt of illegal gifts, and this was the sixth round of questioning Netanyahu has faced in recent months.

The most recent session focused on a probe known as Case 1000, which involves the alleged receipt of expensive gifts from rich supporters, including Israeli-born movie mogul Arnon Milchan, possibly in return for favors.

Netanyahu is also facing a probe known as Case 2000, concerning possible collusion  between Netanyahu and Yedioth Aharonoth publisher Noni Mozes.  The prime minister allegedly proposed to use his power to weaken Yedioth’s main rival, Israel Hayom, through the passage of a law curbing the latter’s distribution in return for more positive coverage in Yedioth.

Israeli media estimates that the cases have yielded sufficient evidence to lead to an indictment, and that this latest session of probing is part of the closing stages of the investigation. The reports say that they intend to wrap up the investigation by the end of next month.

Netanyahu was last questioned by police earlier this month. His son Yair was questioned as well.

Netanyahu has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, claiming the allegations are a witch hunt by a hostile media against him and his family.

After the questioning, Netanyahu tweeted: “This evening I remain certain: there will be nothing, because there is nothing,” a mantra he has been repeating throughout his questioning.