He is not above the law. He stands on the abyss of indictment in half a dozen cases.
His wife will apparently be indicted on a different case.
The first Rabin government fell when his wife was indicted on foreign currency charges.
Mr. Netanyahu should do the country a favor now and allow for elections- without him.
His wife will apparently be indicted on a different case.
The first Rabin government fell when his wife was indicted on foreign currency charges.
Mr. Netanyahu should do the country a favor now and allow for elections- without him.
14
Netanyahu is an international criminal and charges should be brought against him at The Hague.
8
Couldn't happen to a nicer guy....
10
Now I can understand why Trump and Netanyahu get along so well. They're cut from the same mold and have children who behave in inappropriate ways
12
When all others had deserted the violently racist Apartheid government of South Africa Israel stood at its side until the bitter end. Its current bantustan-like settlement policy is proof that it continues to profit from this unholy alliance. The Jewish prosecutor who sent a young Nelson Mandela to Robin Island to die was celeberated in Israel because of it. So, Netanyahu's exhibition of racist disrespect toward Barrack Obama was not the cheap stuff of personal animus.
Netanyahu slipped so easily between the sheets with trump because he is the leading proponent a type of transactional Zionism that subordinates the deeply ethical, and ultimately redemptive, imperatives of historical Judaism. Sadly, Netanyahu seems to be enticing more and more Israelis to his side. As a consequence he seeds the dangerous belief that criticisms of Likud Government policies are per se antisemetic. In doing he joins trump in erroneously thinking himself able to mix political expediency with religious zealotry to good effect.
Netanyahu slipped so easily between the sheets with trump because he is the leading proponent a type of transactional Zionism that subordinates the deeply ethical, and ultimately redemptive, imperatives of historical Judaism. Sadly, Netanyahu seems to be enticing more and more Israelis to his side. As a consequence he seeds the dangerous belief that criticisms of Likud Government policies are per se antisemetic. In doing he joins trump in erroneously thinking himself able to mix political expediency with religious zealotry to good effect.
12
Does anyone want to take bets that Trump won't follow this same trajectory, and ultimately be forced out of office in disgrace? He is hiding his tax returns and attempting to impede Mueller's investigation because he knows better than anyone else how corrupt and outright criminal his businesses and his campaign and governance have been (emoluments clause - we don't need no stinking emoluments clause - among others!). It is only a matter of time before Trump is revealed to be the worst of the worst of the worst, at least Nixon as misguided as he was, had some semblance of intelligence....
9
Please provide translations of the hyperlinked info on the critique of Yair's lifestyle, his Facebook response and the other fellow's response. Thanks.
2
No surprise that a man who exhibits no sense of virtue, ethics, or morality in his political principles doesn't exhibit them either in his private life.
18
I suppose it's small consolation that there are still countries where illicit gifts from wealthy friends and back-room deals with media magnates for favorable coverage can get a politician in trouble.
8
You know Trump got along good with him, they both have something in common. They are both in scrupulous situations of their on making. Maybe that's why he and Obama didn't gel. Not enough in common.
14
Israel is always in a state of crisis. It surrounded by many countries that officially or unofficially want to see it destroyed.
Nevertheless is does not give Netan. the right to get down to the level of a ego maniac, bully demagogue like Trump or Putin.
Add to it the charge of corruption hanging over all three leaders.
Remain tough Israeli. Your survival is your most important duty but don't give in to demagogues, bullies, ego maniacs or worse.
Nevertheless is does not give Netan. the right to get down to the level of a ego maniac, bully demagogue like Trump or Putin.
Add to it the charge of corruption hanging over all three leaders.
Remain tough Israeli. Your survival is your most important duty but don't give in to demagogues, bullies, ego maniacs or worse.
5
Sadly, some of the commenters about this news item have chosen to resort to Israel bashing. How about some facts here? Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East. A former Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert, went to trial and had to serve a prison sentence and was recently released. Netanyahu will hopefully either join him or be forced to resign.
I am an American Jew who is a supporter of Israel and who loathes Netanyahu. The way he treated former President Obama was disgraceful, and Netanyahu is very much like Trump.......a pathological liar and con artist.
Israel will be much better off when he is forced out of office, and the sooner the better.
I read the New York Times every day and have done so for many, many years and I find it strange that when comments are posted to news pieces or opinion columns that criticize the leaders of Syria, Russia, Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, England, France, the Philippines and many other countries they somehow find a way to limit their blistering comments to the indvidual but when it comes to Israel it always comes down to how much aid the country receives from America.
Israel deserves criticism for its treatment of the Palestinians but this tiny country, the size of New Jersey, has given the world more inventions in medicine, science, and technology than any other country except America and Israel has 8 million people and America has 335 million people.
Let's try and limit our criticisms to the man and not an entire people please.
I am an American Jew who is a supporter of Israel and who loathes Netanyahu. The way he treated former President Obama was disgraceful, and Netanyahu is very much like Trump.......a pathological liar and con artist.
Israel will be much better off when he is forced out of office, and the sooner the better.
I read the New York Times every day and have done so for many, many years and I find it strange that when comments are posted to news pieces or opinion columns that criticize the leaders of Syria, Russia, Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, England, France, the Philippines and many other countries they somehow find a way to limit their blistering comments to the indvidual but when it comes to Israel it always comes down to how much aid the country receives from America.
Israel deserves criticism for its treatment of the Palestinians but this tiny country, the size of New Jersey, has given the world more inventions in medicine, science, and technology than any other country except America and Israel has 8 million people and America has 335 million people.
Let's try and limit our criticisms to the man and not an entire people please.
37
i agree amen
2
Must be a witch hunt! Can Bibi and Trump be any more alike?
Maybe we'll see whose constitution holds truth to power. Probably, neither.
Maybe we'll see whose constitution holds truth to power. Probably, neither.
14
A long standing impediment to just & peaceful co-existence.
14
One major difference between Israel and the Palestinian Authority and Hamas. In Israel corrupt pols go to jiail. Under the two Palestinian regimes, the journalists and investigators who expose them go to jail ... uh, that's if they're lucky.
5
In the political position of Netanyahu that depends on the religious orthodox parties, it is surprising that they do not consider him a heretic or apostate: his first marriage in the US was to a non-Judaic woman. Perhaps in the orthodox thinking, anything that took place outside the rules of the faith, it as if did not happen.
5
No loss if he is forced out of office. He's just another bullying dolt. I finished having any trust in him after he barged into the US and spoke to Congress without being invited by President Obama. It was the act of an arrogant and offensive man and his arrogance has now caught up with him and his equally arrogant wife and family.
45
You are so right. I could have written the exact same thing.
7
He was invited by the Congressional leadership. Maybe he felt risking Obama's thin skin and his supposed legacy foreign policy deal (not to mention the delicate sensitivities of the progressive Left) was a small price to pay for trying everything he could to stop a deal that will add another North Korea replay in ten years but this time from a regime sworn to the genocidal annihilation of the only Jewish state rebuilt on the Jewish People's historical homeland?
By the way, were you as upset when Obama arrogantly kept interfering with the Brexit vote by threatening a downgrade of trade relations with Britain rather than respecting Britain's own internal affairs? No, somehow I didn't think so.
By the way, were you as upset when Obama arrogantly kept interfering with the Brexit vote by threatening a downgrade of trade relations with Britain rather than respecting Britain's own internal affairs? No, somehow I didn't think so.
7
Exactly right. A incredibly disrespectful display, and possibly racist.
12
Good! Get rid of this thug.
28
Well James, now that you've gotten that off your chest you can go back to blowing kisses at photos of such great humanitarians as Mahmoud Abbas, Ismail Haniyeh and everyone's favorite Ayatollah Khamenini.
7
What do Mahmoud Abbas, Ismail Haniyeh and everyone's favorite Ayatollah Khamenini have to do with Netanyahu being a thug?
4
The Times just ran a story on its OP Ed section speculation as to whether or not Peru needs a special jail for its ex presidents. Yet, oddly enough, a comment section didn't open up for bloggers to express their opinions on that international situation. However, just change the country to Israel, and -- surprise, surprise-- a comment section opens up immediately to give commenters another opportunity to stick it to Israel. Netanyahu hasn't been charged with a crime but that won't stop anyone here from throwing him in jail. Even if Netanyahu resigns then what? I'm reasonably certain that the commenters won't like his successor either. Former Prime Minister Olmert was just released from jail after serving 16 months on corruption charges and no one noticed.
4
Sharon you are right.
The people who want him to resign do't care about the charges that are being reported.
Abbas is very much corrupt.
Take a look at the house he lives in.
That house is nicer than the White house.
Certainly much better than what Netanyahu has.
How did he get this house if he was not corrupt.
If these people and the Ties really cared about the charge of being corrupt they would also call for his resignation.
The people who want him to resign do't care about the charges that are being reported.
Abbas is very much corrupt.
Take a look at the house he lives in.
That house is nicer than the White house.
Certainly much better than what Netanyahu has.
How did he get this house if he was not corrupt.
If these people and the Ties really cared about the charge of being corrupt they would also call for his resignation.
5
Har har har Sharon in Rockaway! Isn't it tough that the evil leader of a nation that stomps human rights to dust is getting some attention? Too bad, Netanyahu is a criminal, and Israel gets treated with kid gloves 99.99% of the time. That all said it's very Likud of you to wish to try to suppress truthful opinion.
17
To CK--Since when has Israel ever been treated with kid gloves? Do you have evidence that Netanyahu is a criminal? This is just another mainstream media witch hunt to get rid of another leader they don't approve of.
3
Abuse of power sometimes boomerangs, a good thing, even though the arc of justice seems too long.
6
Power can corrupt some people. Israel has no congressmen accountable to its citizens. Instead it has a government by coalition where deals can be made with
some bad guys if necessary. That's the problem. The electoral system must be revamped at once. Needed are checks and balances, bill of rights, constitution etc. Not to implement the above can result in what we witness Some Prime Ministers, president, cabinet members all under investigations and worse. Israel needs aid in advice on how to implement a new government elect system from head to toe.
some bad guys if necessary. That's the problem. The electoral system must be revamped at once. Needed are checks and balances, bill of rights, constitution etc. Not to implement the above can result in what we witness Some Prime Ministers, president, cabinet members all under investigations and worse. Israel needs aid in advice on how to implement a new government elect system from head to toe.
5
Funny how I thought it was the United States that needed a new election process.
We elected Trump with the process you seem to advocate.
Trump could never win in Israel.
You will never get enough votes by one party to win in Israel.
You need coalition.
A Trump like candidate could not win there because he would not get the support from other parties.
So believe what ever.
I know you are wrong.
We elected Trump with the process you seem to advocate.
Trump could never win in Israel.
You will never get enough votes by one party to win in Israel.
You need coalition.
A Trump like candidate could not win there because he would not get the support from other parties.
So believe what ever.
I know you are wrong.
3
Seems to be a law of politics. The more arrogant and sanctimonious the more corrupt.
If we could rid ourselves of Trump and Netanyahu could Ted Cruz and Mike Pence be next in line? I can't wait
If we could rid ourselves of Trump and Netanyahu could Ted Cruz and Mike Pence be next in line? I can't wait
30
In the US, we now know just how much damage right wing media with its fake news, false and misleading information (can you say Fox) can do. It's called Donald Trump and the effects of the right wing media will have permanent damage on America.
17
Ah, the righteous keepers of the flame!
8
Don't forget mass murder.
4
Just remind me please? Are you talking about the indiscriminate bombing of civilians, hospitals and civil centres in Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen, Syria, Ukraine, Crimea, Kurdistan...? which exactly you are referring to?
4
No, the real question is about the post-Netanyahu government. Will it be in the mold of Ehud Barack, meaning peace may be possible, or will Lieberman take over, condemning the Middle East to at least another decade of stalemate and war?
10
Power corrupts. And absolute power corrupts absolutely.
5
"Under Israeli law, a prime minister does not have to resign even if convicted"
Trump is so jealous.
Trump is so jealous.
21
When I was growing up, I was taught that the higher you go in life, the cleaner you need to be. Can you imagine that advice. Whoever gave it to me must have thought I was a real patsy because given the realities of the times, it is just the opposite.
10
He's on tape discussing w a newspaper publisher what measures he, Netanyahu, could take to make coverage more favorable: and he's still in office.
Hail Israel!! Democracy of the Mideast!!
Hail Israel!! Democracy of the Mideast!!
23
Like Berlusconi, Bibi will get what he deserves infamy and a cozy cell.
15
Repeated financial scandals while in office never seemed to hurt the Clintons for years, so I'm sure Bibi's overwhelming popularity that stems mostly from keeping Israeli's as safe as possible, should keep him in office as well.
3
Perhaps the difference is that the right wing in America that continuously sought to discredit the Clinton's (and spent tens of millions of tax payer dollars doing it) never came up with evidence? Perhaps the difference is facts vs. right wing slandering? Corruption is neither right or left wing, neither liberal or conservative. But more and more right wing = lies. Not little white ones, not infrequent ones, but constant, huge, incredible, proven lies.
26
I am a Jew who supports Israel.
I also like Netanyahu.
Do you think I am a member of this fifth column.
I thought I was a loyal American.
I also like Netanyahu.
Do you think I am a member of this fifth column.
I thought I was a loyal American.
4
Bah, most Trump supporters think they're loyal Americans too. Confusion abounds.
2
I can't wait for this despicable corrupt man to disappear from the scene. Let see if his Saudi allies can save him. :)
28
Poem:
The world would be a much better place if we could only enlighten the right wing base(s).
The world would be a much better place if we could only enlighten the right wing base(s).
14
PM Netanyahu is intelligent to be sure, but he is also inescapably arrogant, and so hawkish that his policies end up backfiring because he places so little emphasis on diplomacy with his adversaries. In this latter regard, he is a lot like President Trump, who cannot be accused of being intelligent. These are men who think they are invincible, and who flout the laws they are supposed to uphold. I firmly believe that both of them will end up in jail.
39
The difference is: Bibi's been doing it for a long time! Trump will be a divider, not a uniter for 4 years at best, but most likely he'll have to resign.
Bibi has denigrated the reputation of Israel, but Trump we have an excuse for...he's old, feebleminded, and compromised by Russians with the goods on him. Israelis have no similar excuse. They have been easily conned by racist and militaristic hogwash. But many say that Trump would not be in office w/o Jewish/Israeli support.
Bibi has denigrated the reputation of Israel, but Trump we have an excuse for...he's old, feebleminded, and compromised by Russians with the goods on him. Israelis have no similar excuse. They have been easily conned by racist and militaristic hogwash. But many say that Trump would not be in office w/o Jewish/Israeli support.
6
In Israel, trying to bring down an opponent using charges of bribery and/or corruption are common place. But that does not make them true. One of my Israeli family members shared a story about his brother, Shimon (not real name), who works for the Foreign Ministry. He was a fairly high official, and former ambassador to Spain. Someone in the ministry was leaking confidential information to the press. An "anonymous source" told investigators that Shimon was the leaker. He was immediately suspended from his position (without any due process). After about a year, he was reinstated, when the investigators finally realized that Shimon had nothing to do with it. Most highly effective politicians push limits (think Clinton and Trump), leaving them open to charges for offenses that fall into a gray area usually. Unless he is found guilty, Mr. Netanyahu should not resign (think Clinton). However, in our current political environment (both in US and Israel), investigations have become the tactic of choice for those who don't win elections to attempt to wrest power from those who do. (Think Republicans and Obama.)
7
I think there is very little the same with Bill Clinton and Netanyahu.
4
Hi Sam, nice try. But it will not work in the end as fake news do not work except to convince the already twisted minds who refuse to see reality.
The judiciary in Israel is completely separated from the other two powers. But, just in case they still hold political views that will influence the investigations and indictments, BOTH the Legal Councillor to the Government (responsible for recommending the indictment) and the State Prosecutor were appointed by Natanyahu and ops, I forgot... also the Chief of Police.
For the sake of my Country, I do hope he goes to jail for corruption, grafting, etc and not for his political views. Those need to be challenge in the ballot.
The judiciary in Israel is completely separated from the other two powers. But, just in case they still hold political views that will influence the investigations and indictments, BOTH the Legal Councillor to the Government (responsible for recommending the indictment) and the State Prosecutor were appointed by Natanyahu and ops, I forgot... also the Chief of Police.
For the sake of my Country, I do hope he goes to jail for corruption, grafting, etc and not for his political views. Those need to be challenge in the ballot.
2
There is a documentary called "The Gatekeepers " It is an eye opener apropos Netanyahu , common knowledge in Israel . Birds of a feather , Netanyahu and Trump.
47
If you were to look in Webster's Dictionary under the heading; "Greed", you would see a picture of Ben Netanyahu. Every action this man has taken has been done with a "me first", and a "gimme-gimme-gimme MORE" attitude.
The icing on the cake was last year, when the U.S. gave Israel yet another huge, multi Billion dollar Arms "gift", the biggest ever to any Country, and Netanyahu said that "it wasn't big enough".
I applaud this Investigation. I hope this Rat goes to prison, and stays there.
The icing on the cake was last year, when the U.S. gave Israel yet another huge, multi Billion dollar Arms "gift", the biggest ever to any Country, and Netanyahu said that "it wasn't big enough".
I applaud this Investigation. I hope this Rat goes to prison, and stays there.
69
Trump, Putin, Netanyahu. The axis of political corruption.
53
The only good news in the Times today.
30
Do not think Netanyahu is unpopular in Israel.
He is extremely popular.
He has the support of most of the people.
As long as he has not committed treason there is no way these people will stop supporting him.
The New York Times has a history of opposing him.
They therefore have of a agenda when they report this story.
What is in this article has to be taken with that understanding.
Netanyahu has no reason to feel he has to resign and the New York Times has to stop acting like they can report things as if fact based on nothing more than rumor, just because they believe the thing they report can somehow be used to get someone they do not like removed from office.
The Times should be a paper that reports all he news not what they want you to know.
He is extremely popular.
He has the support of most of the people.
As long as he has not committed treason there is no way these people will stop supporting him.
The New York Times has a history of opposing him.
They therefore have of a agenda when they report this story.
What is in this article has to be taken with that understanding.
Netanyahu has no reason to feel he has to resign and the New York Times has to stop acting like they can report things as if fact based on nothing more than rumor, just because they believe the thing they report can somehow be used to get someone they do not like removed from office.
The Times should be a paper that reports all he news not what they want you to know.
9
Sorry , but it's not just the NYTs , check your facts again and he will not resign but eventually be removed!
3
stone
Yeah, REAL popular. He (and Likud) got a whopping 23% of the popular vote, and 25% of the seats in the Knesset. He barely put together a government with 61 of 120 seats in the Knesset.
He must be spectacularly popular. 77% of the population voted for "somebody else."
Yeah, REAL popular. He (and Likud) got a whopping 23% of the popular vote, and 25% of the seats in the Knesset. He barely put together a government with 61 of 120 seats in the Knesset.
He must be spectacularly popular. 77% of the population voted for "somebody else."
25
You seem to know nothing about how people are elected in Israel.
You do not vote or the person.
You vote for the party.
Yes Liked only got 23 percent but there were other parties that supported Netanyahu as well
.https://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/18/world/middleeast/israel-election-neta...
Even the Times agrees.
You do not vote or the person.
You vote for the party.
Yes Liked only got 23 percent but there were other parties that supported Netanyahu as well
.https://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/18/world/middleeast/israel-election-neta...
Even the Times agrees.
4
Let's see what comes to pass.
If the Netanyahu is indicted and convicted, what will American conservatives say? I've noticed recently that they have a hard time acknowledging the wrong doings of their standard bearers. I wonder if the man played golf?
If the Netanyahu is indicted and convicted, what will American conservatives say? I've noticed recently that they have a hard time acknowledging the wrong doings of their standard bearers. I wonder if the man played golf?
18
Would Benjamin Netanyahu's political demise hasten an end to Israel's apartheid system? Perhaps it might yield opportunities for more constructive and forthright political discourse. Yet Netanyahu has effectively destroyed Yitzhak Rabin's constructive legacy, and Israel likely faces a long and tortuous journey to escape from Netanyahu's wake.
38
What Rabin was to Netanyahu Obama is to Trump. Some thing, different clothing, manners.
7
Israel, next to Russia is the big supporter of Trump.
What kind of person do we expect the Israel's leader would be?
Trump admires Putin, Netanyahu, Duterte, Kim, and the Saudi King. Should we be really surprised about Netanyahu being a corrupt politician?
What kind of person do we expect the Israel's leader would be?
Trump admires Putin, Netanyahu, Duterte, Kim, and the Saudi King. Should we be really surprised about Netanyahu being a corrupt politician?
19
When you are a great moral leader you've got to be squeaky clean. Scoundrels don't need to be squeaky clean ... everyone knows what they are and no pretenses are necessary. If the allegations are true it is a very unfortunate loss, because Mr. Netanyahu is a great leader and a true Israelite. Still, no one is above the law.
5
I eagerly look forward to the day in the not-so-distant future when we'll be reading an article like this about Bibi's new best friend, The Donald.
22
Wow, another witch hunt. My guess is the inquisitors are going to catch one or two before this is all done.
8
No witches here. Just greedy, corrupt, arrogant, disgusting men, breaking the law and laughing.
12
I guess America and Israel are closer than they think. Oy vey.
14
Bibi will soon pass the long tenure of David Ben Gurion as Prime Minister.
How can anyone mention the two in the same breath?
The State of Israel owes much of its existence to Ben Gurion. Without him, there is little indication that the nation would have come into existence or survived once it became independent.
Bibi has been making money off his office for years.
As Cromwell said, "In the name of God, go!"
How can anyone mention the two in the same breath?
The State of Israel owes much of its existence to Ben Gurion. Without him, there is little indication that the nation would have come into existence or survived once it became independent.
Bibi has been making money off his office for years.
As Cromwell said, "In the name of God, go!"
17
Anyone who has worked around money for any length of time has experienced bitter disappointments in human character. Money, like power, corrupts, and that is why humans are best governed by laws and not by dictators. And also why term limits for all top executive posts are a good idea.
9
I was recently in Israel. Just about everyone I spoke with compared Netanyahu to Trump. Needless to say it was not a positive comparison. I remember in particular a taxi driver (formerly from Brooklyn) who had such harsh words about Netanyahu.
30
It reflects sadly on Israeli politics that it will be "dirt" that might force Bibi out of office rather than his terribly rightist reign. The only consoling thing: this :dirt" reflects on his equally dirty politics that have turned Israel into a bastion of the right.
21
"If the police recommended filing charges, the state prosecutor and attorney general would still have to agree...."
Sounds like a perfect formula for delay.
Sounds like a perfect formula for delay.
5
Sara Netanyahu is said to have been pocketing many thousands of dollars in profits by recycling bottles for cash. The Netanyahus buy large quantity of beverages with taxpayers' money. So corruption allegations against Benjamin Netanyahu don't come as a surprise.
Israel has in the past shown that no-one is above the law and many crooked politicians had been convicted. It's interesting to watch whether Netanyahu can get away unscathed.
Israel has in the past shown that no-one is above the law and many crooked politicians had been convicted. It's interesting to watch whether Netanyahu can get away unscathed.
18
I'm not trying to defend the Israeli Prime Minister, but as accusations go this seems sort of comical. Bottle-deposit-gate? If that were all there is to indict him on, seems a bit thin.
Of course, any breaking of the law is serious and should be investigated and prosecuted, but part of me wonders if most jobs don't involve small personal enrichment "bonuses" (such as a lawyer's aquirement of additional knowledge and experience in the course of representation, which of course he never compensates the client for) that naturally occur and are casually exploited without actual corruption.
Let's say the prime minister's office (including high attendance functions) and household receive tax-funded beverages, and the prime minister assumes responsibility for disposing of empty bottles. Is he required to hand over the deposits or recycling money to the treasury? It's not unreasonable to imagine the guy getting rid of the bottles being tacitly allowed to keep the few cents per bottle, even if it's the PM. Ithe all comes down to whether a law addresses any such enrichment.
If a housekeeping service assigned to clean up after a reception choose to keep and redeem bottles rather than throw them in the garbage, I assume that's normally OK unless it is specifically prohibited in advance (unless their efforts undemine/conflict with normal job performance).
Of course, any breaking of the law is serious and should be investigated and prosecuted, but part of me wonders if most jobs don't involve small personal enrichment "bonuses" (such as a lawyer's aquirement of additional knowledge and experience in the course of representation, which of course he never compensates the client for) that naturally occur and are casually exploited without actual corruption.
Let's say the prime minister's office (including high attendance functions) and household receive tax-funded beverages, and the prime minister assumes responsibility for disposing of empty bottles. Is he required to hand over the deposits or recycling money to the treasury? It's not unreasonable to imagine the guy getting rid of the bottles being tacitly allowed to keep the few cents per bottle, even if it's the PM. Ithe all comes down to whether a law addresses any such enrichment.
If a housekeeping service assigned to clean up after a reception choose to keep and redeem bottles rather than throw them in the garbage, I assume that's normally OK unless it is specifically prohibited in advance (unless their efforts undemine/conflict with normal job performance).
4
"Israel has in the past shown that no-one is above the law"
Israel has shown in the past that it has no law. (Or was the 18-month prison sentence given the Israeli army MEDIC for executing a disabled Palestinian attacker -- fully legal, by the way, under international law (yet another thing Israel has only disdain for) -- your idea of not being above the law?
Israel has shown in the past that it has no law. (Or was the 18-month prison sentence given the Israeli army MEDIC for executing a disabled Palestinian attacker -- fully legal, by the way, under international law (yet another thing Israel has only disdain for) -- your idea of not being above the law?
5
One thing's for sure, though: The Netanyahus had better not try to stash the redeemed bottle proceeds in Swiss bank accounts; those institutions, we know, are just SOOOOOOOOOO scrupulous about ill-gotten loot! They wouldn't touch that lucre with a 100 foot pole. (OK, maybe my sarcasm's a bit overstated: it's only Germans, and drug and illegal arms dealers who get the exemption).
2
The heat is on these corrupt "leaders" around the world. Please, Good People, keep it up. WE must get rid of these world destroyers right now.
58
It's a shame that the former president of Israel and former prime minister are in jail, and now this. Imagine her in America such a mess. Thank god that we have a system of independent government that ensures that no one is in office to lung to get so corrupted.
1
"Thank god that we have a system of independent government that ensures that no one is in office to lung to get so corrupted."
Are we sure about that?
Are we sure about that?
2
Independent government. I like that, wish it were true. We have nothing but corrupt leaders in Albany and in Washington. They are shills paid for by corporate America to do their bidding.
4
McConnell, Sessions have been in power for how long? And what about the Republican party bought and paid for by the NRA, the Koch brothers, and the loony radical religious right since at least R. Reagan... And let's not forget our Democrats, the eternal beggars, that seem to raise an obnoxious amount of cash at every election. Ever wonder why the fed is always in the hand of some wall street individual? Why these people who were responsible for the economic crisis were never punished? Why we are so lenient on white collar criminals? It's quite simple, they have bought both parties and there is no political will to remove all that money from our political system.
3
The continuance of Netanyahu in power is a sign of the corruption and decline of the state of Israel. From its socialist and idealist founders- Weizmann, Sharett, Ben-Gurion, Yadin , Meir, Rabin--men and women whose centers were somewhat outside themselves and who worked to build a land of liberty and learning, we observe Netanyahu, Lieberman, Shaked, Bennett--greedy politicians who stuff their pockets and pander to the worst instincts of Israeli society,
Like other corrupt, imperialist powers--Rome, Spain perhaps the United States--Israeli civilization is coming to an end--more rapidly than most.
Like other corrupt, imperialist powers--Rome, Spain perhaps the United States--Israeli civilization is coming to an end--more rapidly than most.
45
You seem to ignore what is obvious.
If all the past leaders were great as you say why didn't the PLO sign a agreement with these people.
The PA, Hamas and Hezbollah are where there is true corruption.
Arafat was the best example of a corrupt individual. and Abbas Is not to far behind.
If all the past leaders were great as you say why didn't the PLO sign a agreement with these people.
The PA, Hamas and Hezbollah are where there is true corruption.
Arafat was the best example of a corrupt individual. and Abbas Is not to far behind.
4
Politicians in Israel unlike their counterparts in the U.S have not mastered the art of corruption yet. The U.S.A a country where politicians become extremely wealthy after they leave office.
12
Apparently some while still in office.
4
No, the US has legalized corruption thanks to the Supreme court decision in Citizens United, only in America is a company considered like an individual. The American political system is just rotten to the bone, even italy is less corrupt than this country! They haven't mastered corruption, they have legalized corruption!
4
He's Trump's best friend -- two of a kind!
39
As far as I can tell, right-wingers in Israel are just like right-wingers in the US, meaning that they'll support Bibi no matter what.
67
Regressives are regressive, no matter where they are or what political label they choose to put on themselves.
2
There are half a dozen members of the Likud, some ministers that are waiting for their chance to be PM. Support Netanyahu? They will support him out through the door.
Mr. Netanyahu is mostly guilty of not knowing when to quit and it should have been a few years ago.
Mr. Netanyahu is mostly guilty of not knowing when to quit and it should have been a few years ago.
9
This is why democracy is so precious , no mater who you are you will be held responsible. congrats to the israeli police , most countries in europe would have not even dared investigate a prime minister or a president (let alone put a prime minister (Olmert) in prison for bribery)
39
about time
32
No wonder he likes Trump so much. See any similarities?? I've not like the bully, Netanyahu, since he disrespected our president, Barrack Obama. If Israel doesn't get rid of him next election, keep our tax monies home!!
107
Our government's foreign civil (scant) and military (obscene) aid should be used to support US national objectives.
Israel's foreign policies, interference in our domestic affairs, and perversion of US foreign policy should have financial consequences.
That's not gonna happen - to our detriment.
Sadly for both countries, the social and cultural schisms have happened - to Israel's detriment.
Israel's foreign policies, interference in our domestic affairs, and perversion of US foreign policy should have financial consequences.
That's not gonna happen - to our detriment.
Sadly for both countries, the social and cultural schisms have happened - to Israel's detriment.
8
Netanyahu = Israel? Like Trump = America.
3
Learn from our great President Mr. Netanyahu, how to handle these small pesky matters.
4
What Netanyahu is guilty of is betraying Real Judaism and Real Jews.
Bribery is the least of his unforgivable crimes.
Bribery is the least of his unforgivable crimes.
54
Looks like parallel tracks for both Israel's Prime Minister and our President Let's hope it is the end of the line for both.
76
"How long can he hold on"?
The question should be "how long should he hold on"?
If indicted he should resign immediately.
If he has the interests of country at heart (not to mention party), now would be a good time to resign.
Elections should follow post haste.
The question should be "how long should he hold on"?
If indicted he should resign immediately.
If he has the interests of country at heart (not to mention party), now would be a good time to resign.
Elections should follow post haste.
24
The Israelis do not deserve such a ruthless leader.
15
like father, like son!
42
The Israeli Donald Trump.
98
Netanyahu is a LOT smarter than Trump (really low bar) and is not illiterate, but he has the same complete lack of ethics, morals, scruples, and basic sense of honesty.
3
Well, whatever one might say about Netyanyahu, either his ethics or his policies, he differs from Trump in some very important ways.
1. He is very smart.
2. He is very experienced in politics and foreign affairs.
3. He has actual political beliefs, whether one likes them or not.
4. He has a record of service to his country.
Trump has none of the above. It is sad, even pathetic, that Netanyahu has unnecessarily attached himself to Trump, and a political disaster for Israel in the United States that Netanyahu has effectively aligned Israel with the Republican Party, an alignment from which it will take Israel a long time to recover politically, if it ever does.
1. He is very smart.
2. He is very experienced in politics and foreign affairs.
3. He has actual political beliefs, whether one likes them or not.
4. He has a record of service to his country.
Trump has none of the above. It is sad, even pathetic, that Netanyahu has unnecessarily attached himself to Trump, and a political disaster for Israel in the United States that Netanyahu has effectively aligned Israel with the Republican Party, an alignment from which it will take Israel a long time to recover politically, if it ever does.
6
He should resign now.
61
Recognizing the puniness of the current accusations against him, the enormous burdens he carries, his popularity in Israel and his many great accomplishments over the years, I expect that a sizeable majority of the people of Israel will continue to stand by him.
I wish him continued great success in his efforts to protect Israel. As for his critics, I keep asking myself what they see as so wonderful about the current leaders of Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran.