Netanyahu Trial: Ex-Lawmaker Eitan Cabel Testifies Amid Heated Exchange

Former Knesset Member Eitan Cabel testified on Monday in the trial of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, specifically in Case 2000, which concerns alleged deals between Netanyahu and Noni Mozes, publisher of Yedioth Ahronoth. Netanyahu is accused of fraud and breach of trust, while Mozes is accused of offering bribes. Cabel, who was previously investigated in connection with the case but cleared, was called by Netanyahu's defense team.

Cabel's testimony focused on the "Israel Hayom Law," a bill he advanced in 2014 to limit the distribution of the free newspaper Israel Hayom, then owned by Sheldon Adelson and a supporter of Netanyahu. The prosecution alleges that Mozes offered Netanyahu more favorable coverage in Yedioth Ahronoth in exchange for advancing legislation that would harm Israel Hayom. Cabel and his proposed law were discussed in recorded conversations between Netanyahu and Mozes.

While initially stating he acted independently and was unaware of the Netanyahu-Mozes discussions, Cabel was later investigated on suspicion of fraud, breach of trust, and obstruction after police found evidence of extensive communication between him and Mozes. In 2019, the State Prosecutor's Office decided to indict Netanyahu and Mozes but recommended closing the case against Cabel.

During his testimony, Cabel stated he met with Mozes multiple times regarding the bill, describing it as a common practice for lawmakers to meet with media figures. He also recounted that representatives from Israel Hayom offered him favorable coverage to dissuade him from pursuing the law, which he did not perceive as a bribe but rather as a standard persuasion tactic. He compared Israel Hayom's practices to those of Channel 14, calling both detrimental to democracy.

An intense exchange occurred when Netanyahu's lawyer, Amit Haddad, questioned Cabel about his interactions with Eti Bender, an aide. Cabel insisted that Bender helped him draft the "Israel Hayom Law," even offering to take a polygraph test to prove his truthfulness, and stated, "She is not telling the truth." Haddad countered that Bender claimed her involvement was limited to technical amendments and that she did not draft the bill.