Sara and Benjamin Netanyahu
Photo: Kobi Gidon/GPO
Police said to be close to recommending indictment against Netanyahu
In police questioning, PM's wife reportedly supports his claim that he was not aware of the gifts she allegedly received from billionaire Arnon Milchan: 'He's the prime minister and a busy man. He would come home for dinner, see wine on the table, and didn't ask questions about where it came from.'
Police are said to be close to recommending the attorney general to file an indictment against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over illicit gifts he allegedly received from wealthy donors, Channel 2 reported over the weekend.
According to the report, police have yet to rule out indicting Netanyahu for receiving bribes, in addition to possible charges of fraud and breach of trust.
Channel 10, meanwhile, reported that the testimony given by the prime minister's wife, Sara Netanyahu, to the police matches his own claim that he was not aware of the gifts she allegedly received from billionaire Arnon Milchan.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with his wife, Sara (Photo: Koby Gideon, GPO)
"Bibi really didn't know about the fact I was receiving wine from Milchan," she reportedly told investigators, using her husband's nickname. "He's the prime minister and a busy man. He would come home for dinner, see wine on the table, and didn't ask questions about where it came from. It wasn't even something he was aware of."
Mrs. Netanyahu also claimed that "the prices for the wine bottles were much cheaper than the ones reported. I don't drink expensive champagne."
She also denied the reported cost of a necklace she allegedly asked for and said "This is a beaded necklace worth $200-$300. It definitely didn't cost as much as you say. This is a necklace that is customarily given among friends."
According to the report, law enforcement officials said Mrs. Netanyahu told investigators that Milchan referred to her as "sister."
