Hollywood producer accused of bribing Israeli PM
Benjamin Netanyahu faces mounting criticism over numerous allegations of corruption
One of Hollywood's biggest movie producers has been questioned by Israeli detectives over allegations he bribed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Arnon Milchan, the man behind hits including Pretty Woman, was interviewed in London as part of a criminal investigation known as Case 1000.
The Guardian says the media mogul "has emerged as a key figure in one of a series of police investigations swirling around Netanyahu" after reports he had given the Prime Minister and his wife Sara gifts, including boxes of cigars, bottles of pink champagne and jewellery.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The Israel-born Milchan reportedly told police that he had documentary evidence, including receipts, of gifts given to the couple, but denied they were part of any improper bribes.
Natanyahu and his wife have faced mounting criticism over a series of scandals including alleged bribery, the misuse of state funds, his efforts to secure favourable coverage in the Israeli media and alleged corruption connected with the planned government purchase of German submarines.
This last scandal has led to some of the Prime Minister's closest associates being questioned, and the arrest of his former chief of staff, the former head of the Israeli navy, a former naval commando head and a former minister.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
The elite falcon trade in the Middle EastUnder the Radar Popularity of the birds of prey has been ‘soaring’ despite doubts over the legality of sourcing and concerns for animal welfare
-
A running list of the international figures Donald Trump has pardonedin depth The president has grown bolder in flexing executive clemency powers beyond national borders
-
Mixed nuts: RFK Jr.’s new nutrition guidelines receive uneven reviewsTalking Points The guidelines emphasize red meat and full-fat dairy
-
US nabs ‘shadow’ tanker claimed by RussiaSpeed Read The ship was one of two vessels seized by the US military
-
Why recognizing Somaliland is so risky for IsraelTHE EXPLAINER By wading into one of North Africa’s most fraught political schisms, the Netanyahu government risks further international isolation
-
Israel approves new West Bank settlementsSpeed Read The ‘Israeli onslaught has all but vanquished a free Palestinian existence in the West Bank’
-
How Bulgaria’s government fell amid mass protestsThe Explainer The country’s prime minister resigned as part of the fallout
-
Femicide: Italy’s newest crimeThe Explainer Landmark law to criminalise murder of a woman as an ‘act of hatred’ or ‘subjugation’ but critics say Italy is still deeply patriarchal
-
Brazil’s Bolsonaro behind bars after appeals run outSpeed Read He will serve 27 years in prison
-
Americans traveling abroad face renewed criticism in the Trump eraThe Explainer Some of Trump’s behavior has Americans being questioned
-
Israel jolted by ‘shocking’ settler violenceIN THE SPOTLIGHT A wave of brazen attacks on Palestinian communities in the West Bank has prompted a rare public outcry from Israeli officials