"I didn't see it as bribery": The testimony that strengthens the defense's claim in Case 2000

Former MK Eitan Cabel testified in court about his contacts regarding the "Israel Hayom Law" and meetings with Noni Mozes. According to him, representatives of Israel Hayom offered him favorable coverage in exchange for withdrawing from the law, but he did not see this as bribery. The testimony may strengthen the defense's claim in Case 2000 of selective enforcement against Netanyahu.

Former Knesset member Eitan Cabel testified today in court as part of Case 2000, which deals with conversations between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Yedioth Ahronoth publisher Noni Mozes. Cabel spoke about his activities to promote the "Israel Hayom Law" and about meetings he held with Mozes, which he said were part of normal parliamentary work. However, Cabel revealed that representatives of Israel Hayom tried to persuade him to withdraw from the law and offered him favorable coverage in return – an offer he did not see as bribery, but as a legitimate attempt at persuasion. The testimony may serve the defense in Case 2000 to strengthen the claim of selective enforcement: similar conduct by politicians towards media owners, it is argued, did not receive the unusual criminal treatment as in Netanyahu's case. Cabel was previously questioned under caution in the affair, but the case against him was closed. Case 2000 itself deals with conversations between Netanyahu and Mozes from 2008 to 2014, in which the possibility of improving coverage in exchange for steps to limit "Israel Hayom" was discussed. Mozes is charged with offering a bribe, Netanyahu with fraud and breach of trust; both deny the charges.