Netanyahu aides might have harassed witnesses in corruption case levelled against Israeli premier

Netanyahu aides might have harassed witnesses in corruption case levelled against Israeli premier
Aides to Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu allegedly harassed a key witness in a corruption case against the premier.
1 min read
29 October, 2019
The Israeli prime minister faces three corruption cases [Getty]
Israeli police are reportedly investigating whether two senior aides to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu harassed a witness in a corruption case.

Ofer Golan and Jonathan Urich were both recently questioned and their phones have been confiscated, Israel's Channel 13 TV reported.

The Israeli premier faces three separate criminal cases in which he is accused of acting on behalf of wealthy supporters and businessmen in exchange for gifts and favourable news coverage.

Netanyahu has denied the allegations against him, calling the corruption investigation a "witch-hunt" and alleging it has been motivated by his enemies' desire to force him from office.

Golan, the prime minister's media advisor, hired a van to park outside the home of Shlomo Fliber, blaring a message to "be a man" and stop lying about Netanyahu.

Filber, a former Netanyahu aide, is a key witness in a case in which the premier is accused of handing out favours to a telecom magnate in exchange for flattering coverage on a news site.

In a statement Monday, police and justice officials said witness harassment is extremely serious.

Urich reportedly told police the van was a campaign stunt and Netanyahu was not involved.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram to stay connected