State's Witness Filber Recounts Moment He Agreed to Deal

Shlomo Filber, a former Director-General of the Ministry of Communications and a state's witness in Case 4000, revealed in an interview with Oded Rosh the specific moment that led him to sign the deal. Filber described the immense psychological toll the investigations took on him and his family, stating he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder. He recounted how investigators allegedly pressured him, even mentioning his seven children and the possibility of missing his son's bar mitzvah.

The pivotal moment, Filber explained, occurred when he entered his room to pack before his arrest and saw his then four-and-a-half-year-old daughter looking at him with fear. "I see that look in her eyes, and it's the look because of which I decided I would sign," he said. He felt he could not endure a prolonged legal battle that might financially ruin his family and harm his children's future, opting instead to accept damage to his reputation.

Despite his role as a state's witness against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Filber expressed continued deep admiration for the premier, whom he considers a mentor. He stated that the investigations did not alter his perception of Netanyahu, with whom he has had a 25-year relationship. Filber believes the investigators tried to create a rift between him and Netanyahu and use him to implicate the Prime Minister.

Filber also addressed his testimony, rejecting claims that he lied or acted with criminal intent while leading the Ministry of Communications. He views the ongoing trial developments as validation of his position. Looking back, Filber wishes to be remembered not just for Case 4000, but for his earlier work in establishing eight settlements in the West Bank, which he considers his legacy.