Ex-MK Cabel's Testimony Bolsters Defense in Case 2000
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Former MK Eitan Cabel testified about his interactions concerning the "Israel Hayom Law."
- Cabel met with Yedioth Ahronoth publisher Noni Mozes to advance the legislation.
- Representatives from Israel Hayom offered Cabel favorable coverage to drop the bill.
- Cabel did not view the offer from Israel Hayom as bribery.
- His testimony may bolster the defense's selective prosecution argument in Case 2000.
Former Member of Knesset Eitan Cabel testified in court on Sunday regarding his involvement with the "Israel Hayom Law" and his interactions with media figures. Cabel stated that he met multiple times with Arnon (Noni) Mozes, publisher of Yedioth Ahronoth, as part of his parliamentary work to advance the legislation. He described these meetings as standard practice for lawmakers engaging with media owners and journalists.
Cabel also testified that representatives from "Israel Hayom" attempted to persuade him to abandon the bill, offering him favorable coverage in return. However, Cabel stated that he did not perceive this offer as bribery, but rather as a typical attempt by an entity potentially affected by the legislation to influence a lawmaker. He characterized such interactions as common in the political-media landscape.
Cabel's testimony is seen as potentially strengthening the defense's argument in Case 2000, which alleges a quid pro quo between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Mozes. The defense contends that the interactions described by Cabel, including meetings and offers of favorable coverage, were routine political-media practices and not unique to Netanyahu's alleged dealings.
Previously, Cabel was investigated under caution in 2018 regarding the "Israel Hayom Law" and his ties to Mozes. The investigation was later closed, with sources indicating no link was found between Cabel's actions and his coverage in Yedioth Ahronoth. The "Israel Hayom Law" aimed to limit the distribution of free newspapers, a move seen as detrimental to Israel Hayom and beneficial to Yedioth Ahronoth.
Case 2000 centers on alleged discussions between Netanyahu and Mozes between 2008 and 2014, particularly recorded conversations from 2014. The indictment claims they discussed improving Netanyahu's coverage in Yedioth Ahronoth in exchange for Netanyahu potentially acting to curb the influence of Israel Hayom. Mozes is accused of offering a bribe, while Netanyahu is charged with fraud and breach of trust. Both deny the charges.
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