After providing his first testimony yesterday (Tuesday), Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu returned today to the Jerusalem District Court to deliver further testimony in Case 4000. This case alleges a bribery connection between Netanyahu and the controlling shareholder of the Bezeq-Walla Group, Shaul Elovitch. The testimony focuses on the “Guidance Meeting” between Netanyahu and former Communications Ministry Director-General Shlomo Filber, where the prosecution claims Netanyahu instructed Filber to grant regulatory benefits to Elovitch.
PM: “There was no deviation from my work procedures”
Netanyahu’s first testimony, delivered yesterday, lasted about three and a half hours. During it, the Prime Minister argued that there was no deviation from his work procedures and that his actions in favor of Elovitch were in accordance with regulatory institutions and part of routine operations, not intended to serve Elovitch’s personal interests. He further explained that the coverage on the Walla website held no significant importance during the relevant years and, therefore, did not serve as compensation for the regulatory benefits.
Additionally, Netanyahu presented documents indicating he had signed contracts and regulations with Elovitch before they became personally acquainted. These documents support the Prime Minister’s claims that he had no intention of breaking the law or establishing a prior relationship with Walla’s owner.
The “Guidance Meeting” and Incorrect Dates
Continuing from this testimony, the second day focuses on the “Guidance Meeting” between Netanyahu and Filber, where it was alleged the Prime Minister instructed Filber to favor Elovitch in exchange for positive media coverage. Previous hearings revealed that the meeting’s existence could not be proven on the date specified in the indictment. The prosecution requested to amend the indictment but faced refusal from the judges, who even suggested removing the bribery charge entirely.
The defense argues that since the indictment’s dates do not align with reality, the prosecution’s case collapses, leaving it without a solid factual basis. During today’s hearing, Netanyahu’s attorney, Amit Hadad, revealed that the first request regarding Walla occurred six months after the meeting with Elovitch, contradicting the prosecution’s claims.
