Ex-Lawmaker Cabel Testifies in "Case 2000"

Former Knesset Member Eitan Cabel testified in court on October 4, 2026, regarding his involvement with the "Israel Hayom" law and his interactions with prominent figures in the Israeli media market. Channel 14 reported that Cabel confirmed actively promoting the legislation and meeting multiple times with Arnon Mozes, the publisher of Yedioth Ahronoth. Cabel stated that such meetings between lawmakers and media executives are standard parliamentary practice.

Cabel also described contacts with the opposing side, claiming representatives from the Israel Hayom newspaper attempted to dissuade him from the bill, offering favorable press coverage in return. He asserted he did not view this as a bribe but as typical lobbying from an organization fearing unfavorable regulations. Cabel's name has been associated with "Case 2000" since its inception; he was questioned by police in January 2018 about the law and his ties to Mozes, though a criminal case against him was later closed without charges.

Defense attorneys for the defendants in "Case 2000" intend to use Cabel's testimony to support their argument of selective law enforcement, highlighting the alleged widespread and accepted nature of such contacts between politicians and media managers. "Case 2000" concerns discussions between Benjamin Netanyahu and Arnon Mozes between 2008 and 2014, where they allegedly discussed improving the prime minister's media coverage in exchange for limiting the reach of the competing Israel Hayom newspaper. Prosecutors allege illegal agreements, while the defense maintains there was no criminal intent and the discussions were political.

The trial is ongoing with further witness testimonies. The article also briefly mentions unrelated international news items.