Indictment of Netanyahu Looms?
by Stephen Lendman (stephenlendman.org - Home - Stephen Lendman)
Things seem heading in this direction. A previous article asked if his days were numbered.
Damning evidence indicates he warrants indictment for bribery, breach of trust and fraud - civil crimes, minor ones compared to high crimes of war and humanity, for sure no charges on these offenses coming.
It’s attorney general Avichai Mandelblit’s call on whether to indict Netanyahu, what he should have done long ago, why it’s unclear whether he’ll do the right thing ahead of early April 9 elections.
They were called by Netanyahu, believing he’ll be reelected, hoping a mandate will save him. Mendelblit earlier said he’ll announce whether to delay a decision on cases pending against Netanyahu until post-election or act sooner.
Last week, his aide Gil Limon told Netanyahu’s lawyers that the probe into cases against him won’t be affected by the upcoming election.
On Monday, Netanyahu’s lawyers met with Mendelblit on whether he’ll proceed with cases against the PM or wait until after the April election.
Discussion didn’t deal with prosecutorial evidence or whether or not an indictment is coming.
Mandelblit reportedly concluded his examination of evidence in the most damning of three cases against Netanyahu - so-called Case 4000.
It alleges police suspect Walla news owner/controlling shareholder of Bezeq telecommunications company Shaul Elovitch ordered favorable coverage of Netanyahu on his news site in return for benefits arranged for Bezeq.
Walla news CEO Ilan Yeshua said he faced intense pressure to suppress negative news about Netanyahu, along with reporting positively about his wife Sara.
Last June, she was indicted on charges of systematic fraud, involving hundreds of thousands of shekels, illegally spent for lavish meals at the Netanyahu residence – courtesy of Israeli taxpayers.
She ordered residence staff to conceal violations of rules – so her actions “wo(uldn’t) be found out by the treasury and the office manager.”
Wrongdoing runs in the family. Leaked information suggests Mandelblit may indict Netanyahu for bribery.
Interviewed on Channel 12 news, he said the April election “is none of my business…It’s not something that affects me.”
“I need to do my work as quickly as possible, although of course without compromising thoroughness and professionalism.”
Netanyahu is on the ropes, arguing that moving against him would amount to “stealing the election.”
The AG apparently isn’t moved. Netanyahu loyalists accused him of conducting a “politicized witch hunt.” If indicted, the PM vowed to stay on, pending a hearing.
It’s unclear if he’s on defensible legal ground. Israeli law and Supreme Court rulings require indicted ministers to step down, not the PM.
Indicting him would greatly weaken his position. Resigning would be the proper thing to do. He operates by his own rules - especially enforcing apartheid viciousness on Palestinians, waging undeclared war on Syria, moving in the same direction against Iran, as well as partnering with US imperial wars.
Mandelblit reportedly will announce his decision in days on a possible indictment of Netanyahu or say he’ll wait until after the April election.
Things may be coming to a head very soon. They’ve been unacceptably delayed much too long.
It’s time to move on what’s been festering since late 2016 without resolution. Israeli police long ago recommended indictment for bribery, breach of trust and fraud.
There’s plenty of credible evidence against Netanyahu to indict him on multiple counts. The time to act is now.
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