Charges against Israel’s Netanyahu
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Benjamin Netanyahu has been indicted in a series of corruption cases – the first-ever charges against a sitting Israeli prime minister
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CASE 1000: Lavish gifts
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Charges: Fraud and breach of trust – in relation to gifts worth almost $300,000 Netanyahu allegedly received in return for political favours
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Alleged gifts included jewellery, cigars and champagne from Hollywood mogul Arnon
Milchan (above left) and Australian billionaire businessman James Packer (above right)
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CASE 2000: Media meddling
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Charges
Fraud and breach of trust – over alleged deal with Arnon Mozes, owner of Israel’s daily Yedioth Ahronoth, for better coverage
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In return, prosecutors say, Netanyahu offered legislation to slow growth of Yedioth rival newspaper Israel Hayom. Mozes (above) also indicted but denies any wrongdoing
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CASE 4000: Telecom trade-off
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Charges: Bribery,fraud and breach of trust – most serious case centres on alleged attempts to seek positive media coverage through favours
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Prosecutors say Netanyahu arranged with Shaul Elovitch (centre), controlling shareholder of Israeli telecoms giant Bezeq, to get favourable coverage on Bezeq’s popular news site Walla! in return for regulatory favours worth about $500 million. Elovitch and his wife, Iris, have also been charged with bribery and obstruction of justice – couple denies any wrongdoing
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Benjamin Netanyahu (left) denies wrongdoing in all cases
Sources: AP, Reuters Pictures: AP, Getty Images, Facebook / Haaretz © GRAPHIC NEWS