Full Breakdown
Netanyahu Denies Wrongdoing in Case 4000 Amidst Heated Court Proceedings
2/25/2026, 5:18:26 AM
Core Event: Netanyahu's Defense in Case 4000
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is currently facing allegations in Case 4000, which centers on accusations that he advanced regulatory decisions beneficial to Shaul Elovitch, the former controlling shareholder of Bezeq, in exchange for favorable media coverage on the Walla news site. During recent court proceedings at the Tel Aviv District Court, Netanyahu rejected claims that he instructed Shlomo Filber, the then-Communications Ministry director-general, to expedite the approval of the Bezeq-Yes merger.
Key Figures & Groups
- Benjamin Netanyahu: Prime Minister of Israel, accused of corruption in Case 4000.
- Shlomo Filber: Former director-general of the Communications Ministry, now a state witness.
- Shaul Elovitch: Former controlling shareholder of Bezeq, alleged to have benefited from Netanyahu's actions.
- Yehudit Tirosh: Lead prosecutor in the case.
Official Statements & Responses
During the trial, Netanyahu asserted that he never directed Filber to prioritize the Bezeq merger, countering the prosecution's claims that Filber had indicated the matter was urgent for the minister. He argued that Filber acted based on his own policy views regarding telecommunications reform. Netanyahu also accused police investigators of coercing Filber during the investigation, referencing past allegations made by Filber about improper treatment while in custody.
Criticism & Opposition
Prosecutor Yehudit Tirosh confronted Netanyahu with testimony from Yifat Ben-Hai Segev, former chairwoman of the Cable and Satellite Broadcasting Council, who stated that Filber communicated the urgency of the merger approval. Tirosh's questioning led to a heated exchange, with Netanyahu accusing her of lying. The courtroom atmosphere became tense, prompting Judge Rivka Friedman-Feldman to intervene and caution against personal attacks.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The timeline of the alleged directive meeting between Netanyahu and Filber has emerged as a significant point of contention. While prosecutors assert that Netanyahu instructed Filber shortly after his appointment, the defense argues that the state's timeline does not align with call records and schedules, indicating discrepancies in the prosecution's narrative.
Verbatim Quotes
- “not heard a word from me” — Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister
- “the prime minister wants to sign on Tuesday,” — Internal communication referenced by prosecutors
What's Next
As the trial progresses, further testimonies from witnesses, including Filber, are expected to shape the narrative surrounding Netanyahu's alleged involvement in the Bezeq-Yes merger. The court's decisions on the timeline and the validity of the prosecution's claims will be pivotal in determining the outcome of Case 4000.
