Zionist Union MK Eitan Cabel, the driving force behind a 2014 legislative proposal targeting Israel Hayom's operations, was questioned under caution by the police for several hours Thursday on suspicion of fraud, breach of trust and obstruction of justice.
Major Crimes Unit investigators questioned Cabel after several discrepancies were found in a previous testimony he gave in Case 2,000, which centers on suspicions of misconduct in conversations between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Yedioth Ahronoth publisher Arnon Mozes. During the conversations, the two allegedly discussed a potential deal under which Yedioth would soften its aggressive anti-Netanyahu stance in exchange for the prime minister using his influence to curtail the operations of Israel Hayom – Yedioth's chief competitor.
Police sources said that new evidence suggests Cabel sponsored the anti-Israel Hayom bill at Mozes' behest. Investigators believe that Cabel had promised to push legislation to hinder Israel Hayom in exchange for positive coverage in Yedioth.
According to Israeli media reports, investigators confronted Cabel with evidence derived from dozens of calls and text messages he exchanged with Mozes and Yedioth Ahronoth's Editor-in-Chief Ron Yaron prior to introducing the anti-Israel Hayom bill.
Yaron has also testified in Case 2,000 in the past.
Following his interrogation, Cabel used Netanyahu's nickname, Bibi, in a tweet, saying, "I was briefly questioned in the Bibi-Mozes affair known as Case 2,000. I answered all the questions and I trust law enforcement authorities. I have always followed the letter of the law and I suggest everyone be patient and wait for the investigation to conclude."
Mozes was also questioned under caution in the case on Thursday.
A police statement confirmed Cabel was questioned in the case, saying, "MK Eitan Cabel was questioned for several hours as part of an investigation headed by the Major Crimes Unit. The investigation is held under the supervision of the State Attorney's Office and with the backing of the Attorney General's Office. Naturally, the Israel Police cannot comment on the developments in an ongoing investigation."
