Ex-MK Eitan Cable Testifies in Netanyahu Corruption Trial

Former Member of Knesset Eitan Cable continued his testimony on Tuesday in Case 2000, one of three cases comprising the corruption trial of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Cable testified that when representatives of the free newspaper "Israel Hayom" offered him favorable coverage in exchange for withdrawing his proposed bill to limit the distribution of free newspapers, he viewed it not as bribery but as a legitimate move. He stated that he believed the bill, intended to save democracy from the destruction of print journalism, was his independent initiative.

Cable recounted that the publisher of "Yedioth Ahronoth," Noni Mozes, requested changes to the wording of the bill aimed at weakening "Israel Hayom." However, Cable insisted that the legislative initiative was his own. He explained that "Israel Hayom" was acting solely for one person (Netanyahu) and harming Israeli journalism by driving down advertising rates, thus weakening competing newspapers. Cable's own investigation by the police regarding his relationship with Mozes in connection with the "Israel Hayom" law was closed by former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit.

During his testimony, Netanyahu's lawyer, Amit Haddad, questioned Cable about whether such an offer constituted bribery. Cable responded that he would have ended any conversation immediately if offered a bribe and had never received one. He also stated that he did not believe anything improper had occurred. Cable claimed that the bill's drafting began after a "Maariv" conference following the announcement that "Maariv" would close, and his spokesperson suggested addressing the issue of "Israel Hayom."

Cable testified that Mozes had requested changes to the bill's wording, providing "proposals and ideas regarding the wording." He clarified that he shared drafts with Mozes as he did with others, distinguishing between receiving suggestions and being pressured to pass a bill Mozes desired. He also stated that he discussed favorable coverage with Ron Yaron, then-editor of "Yedioth Ahronoth," but insisted these discussions were separate from the legislative efforts and that he had approached journalists from all outlets for coverage.

Cable asserted that Eti Bender, the legal advisor to the Economics Committee at the time, drafted the bill, a claim Bender denies. Cable expressed shock at her denial and stated, "I am willing to go to a lie detector. I spoke the truth." The prosecution requested to cross-examine Cable, but the judges ruled that they could only question him in chief, leading the prosecution to announce their intention to appeal to the High Court of Justice.