A Mini-Drama in Netanyahu’s Trial After New Evidence Was Revealed Six Months Into the Legal Process: One of the key witnesses suddenly remembered that she bought a very expensive bracelet for Netanyahu’s wife Sara which cost 45-50 thousand US dollars. According to the witness it was Ms. Netanyahu who demanded the bracelet. The story broke in the news, and Netanyahu’s lawyers asked for a delay in the trial so they can learn the details of the new evidence. The panel of 3 judges agreed to postpone the session until next Monday.
In a rare move, Netanyahu decided to show up at the trial, something he did only once at the opening of the trial. He was accompanied by some of his most vocal supporters from the Likud Party, and part of the show was also a small supporting protest in front of the district court in Jerusalem.
The next witness on the stand would have been Netanyahu’s close media advisor, who, according to the prosecutor, was the middle-man between Netanyahu, his wife and son and the new website. According to the indictment, there was a bribery relationship between the businessman and Netanyahu: Netanyahu demanded and received positive coverage for him and his family on one of Israel’s most popular news sites, and in return he, as minister of communication, took decisions that benefited the businessman with substantial revenues.
An Israeli Couple that Was Arrested in Turkey for Espionage Was Released After Intervention by PM Bennett, Foreign Minister Lapid and President Herzog:: the couple were on a tourist visit to Istanbul, and while in the city they took a photo of one of President Erdogan’s palaces, which, according to the security forces in Turkey it is forbidden to photograph and publish.
The Turks accused them of espionage, Israeli officials intervened almost immediately convincing the Turks that the couple had nothing to do with any Israeli intelligence agency, including Mossad. Relations between Israel and Turkey are already in a bad condition and for several years there have not been serving ambassadors and barely any communication between the two countries. Fortunately, the secretive diplomatic efforts by PM Bennet and Foreign Minister Lapid were successful and the couple was released. PM Bennett personally called President Erdogan to thank him. This incident may even help warm the relations between the countries.
Human Rights Group Documents IDF troops Illegally Photographing Palestinian Kids in the Middle of the Night: Israeli media shared a video from B’Tselem showing troops lining up 12 Palestinian children outside their family home in the middle of the night, to be photographed, and forcing them to smile for the camera. An IDF spokesman said that the family home was invaded due to rock-throwing at soldiers, but that photographing the children, some as young as five and six, was against regulations and that those involved were reprimanded, and regulations adjusted.
#Metoo Reaches Ultra-Orthodox Community, and Continues to Make Waves, as Top Singer and associates and Former Senior Politician Face Public Scrutiny
Haim Walder, a renowned Haredi childrens’ book author, educator and influencer, faces allegations of sexual assault and abuse by several Haredi women, who sought his advice. The story first broke last week, following an investigation by the Ha’aretz daily paper. Walder was suspended from his role as Radio show host, and several stores removed his books from their shelves. However, while some Haredi activists say that rumors about sexual abuse by the popular and well-connected writer were circulating for several years, and while certain Haredi institutions have distanced themselves from him, the Haredi rabbinic and political leadership remains silent.
Top Israeli singer Eyal Golan and ten of his friends and associates, musical producer, businesspeople and former soccer players are facing sexual abuse allegations by two young women, now in their 20’s, who complained against the singer and his associates 8 years ago, but some of their allegations were never investigated. The two young women also filed a civil lawsuit against Golan, his associates, and the Police, for sexual abuse, trafficking and providing drugs to minors. The two young women, now married and with children, went through a long rehabilitation process and decided to file the civil lawsuit and the new complaints against the suspects who were never investigated eight years ago.
Me’ir Shitrit, former minister of finance and member of Knesset stepped down from his position as a member of the committee for the appointment of attorney general, following a public uproar related to allegations of sexual abuse by a female employee. The case was settled between Shitrit and the former employee and never reached the court.
Retrospective Exhibition by World Renowned Japanese Artist Yayoi Kusama Featuring at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art: the exhibition was launched in a mega event last week and is already sold out through February 2022. The exhibition features art works by the 92-year-old artist, produced over a period of nearly 80 years. Kusama is known for her dense polka dots works, her large oeuvres and vivid colors. The Director of the Tel Aviv Museum and the exhibition curator said they took a risk by featuring the exhibition during the COVID-19 pandemic, but are now considering extending it through April 2022, because of the high demand.
For further reading:
Netanyahu’s trial: Here, here, here
Israelis in Turkey: Here, here, Here, here, here, here, here
Palestinian kids photographed: Here, here