Arnon Milchan and Netanyahu
צילום: רויטרס, EPA
Report: Milchan withdrew parts of testimony
Following reports on Israeli TV news channels that the tycoon 'significantly' changed his testimony in the second round of questioning, spokesman issues statement dismissing the claims as false.
Arnon Milchan, the billionaire who was questioned for the second time
in a week this week in connection with a case alleging he provided Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu illicit gifts worth thousands of Shekels, reportedly made significant changes to his first testimony, according to Israeli media reports on Wednesday evening.
According to Channel 2, the tycoon, who is suspected of having provided the Netanyahu family with, inter alia, champagne, cigars and jewelry, “withdrew significant parts of his testimony.”
Arnon Milchan and PM Netanyahu (Photo: EPA, Reuters)
When he was in Israel for Shimon Peres' funeral, Milchan testified for the first time that he gave the Netanyahu's cigars and champagne for years. In recent weeks however, police have sought to further depose Milchan in the US and Australian businessman James Packer.
Packer is also suspected of giving illicit benefits to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his family.
“He (Milchan) softened his previous stance, particularly on two points: Overall, the total that he gave to the Netanyahu family and his and the awareness of (Benjamin) Netanyahu himself of what he gave.”
According to the report, “in the Justice Ministry a change like this is described as a puncture, a fault,” meaning that the testimony provided by James Packer will prove to be of paramount importance in establishing the facts.
It is for this reason, the report claimed, that investigators determined that questioning Packer was a key component in the case.
Channel 10 also claimed that Milchan had “dropped a gear” in his testimony. However, shortly after the report was broadcast, Milchan’s spokesman issued a statement denying any such withdrawal.
“Following the reports, we would like to clarify that we are unaware of who the associates of Mr. Milchan are that are being quoted, and we are unaware of any significant change in the testimony of Mr, Milchan.
