Media Figures Clash Over Netanyahu Investigations Timeline

A public dispute has erupted between media personalities Erel Segal and Aviad Glickman concerning the timeline of investigations into Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Segal, during his program 'HaPatriotim,' pointed to Yoav Seglovitz, former head of the Police Investigations and Intelligence Department, alleging that Seglovitz initiated the investigations against Netanyahu and suggesting political motives.

Glickman vehemently refuted Segal's claims, accusing him of spreading falsehoods about Seglovitz. Glickman cited a "BODKIM" investigation that indicated a discrepancy in the timeline, stating Seglovitz retired from the police in 2013, while the investigations that led to Cases 1000 and 2000 began in 2016. The decision to approve the investigation in 2019 was made by the Attorney General, on the recommendation of the State Prosecutor and the then-head of the Investigations Department, Meni Yitzhaki. Netanyahu's first questioning as a suspect occurred in January 2017.

However, Glickman also noted that preliminary checks regarding Netanyahu were conducted even before Seglovitz's departure. In May 2012, then-Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein instructed the police to examine information related to the 'Bibi Tours' affair, concerning the funding of Netanyahu's overseas trips, which took place during Seglovitz's tenure. This examination concluded in 2014 without a criminal investigation due to insufficient evidence.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Glickman expressed strong disapproval of Segal's remarks, stating, "How much poison and hatred is in this man." He accused Segal of lying "in an attempt to please his owner." Glickman also made a sarcastic remark about Segal's on-air interactions.

The Netanyahu trial, which began in May 2020, involves Cases 1000, 2000, and 4000. Netanyahu denies all charges. The legal proceedings are expected to continue for several more years, potentially including appeals.