Investigative Report Links Powerful Ministry Chief to Collapse of Small Media Firm

An investigative report says that Moti Gmesh, now director-general of Israel’s Economy Ministry, was involved in the collapse of Weiznet, a media company founded by discharged combat soldiers. The founders, Daniel Mizrahi, Aviv Maharat and later partner Netanel Mazor, say Gmesh joined as a consultant and then used negotiations with a major TV network to try to take control of the company and its assets.

According to the report, Weiznet began as a small, profitable business selling television advertising to small and medium-sized companies. It later expanded into partnerships with outlets including Walla, Calcalist and Reshet 13, and the founders say it reached about 5 million shekels gross profit in 2020 despite the pandemic. They describe Gmesh as a well-connected figure who boasted links to politicians, celebrities and business people, and they say they gave him luxury gifts, including an apartment in Yoo Towers, an Audi Q5, appliances and vacations.

The founders allege that Gmesh told them, during his role in talks with Reshet 13, that he controlled the relationship and forbade them from dealing with the network directly. When the company’s advertising flow dropped in late summer and autumn 2021, debts surged, clients complained, and threats from unpaid customers mounted. The report says Gmesh pushed them not to start legal proceedings, asked for company materials and sales scripts, and later presented himself as the rescuer who could solve the debt crisis only if he and his cousin, Rafi Gmesh, became the new owners.

The allegations say that after the transfer, the Gmeshes moved Weiznet’s activity, staff and offices into a new company, leaving the founders without their money and creditors unpaid. The report also quotes Moti Gmesh saying, “I will smash them, I will trample them. It’s so easy,” and later, “I will make them beggars for years.” Gmesh and Rafi Gmesh deny all the claims, saying the company’s failures were caused by severe internal disorder and that they never assumed its debts.