KAN broadcast investigates pro-PM campaigns spreading fake news rhetoric around Netanyahu trial

An investigative report by Israeli public broadcaster KAN News's "Zman Emet (Real Time)" has delved into the narrative surrounding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ongoing corruption trial, focusing on alleged pro-Netanyahu campaigns accused of disseminating fake news. The broadcast, six years into the trial, raises critical questions about the prime minister's stance on the proceedings.

The investigation probes the apparent contradiction between Netanyahu's past statements, where he dismissed claims of evading his trial as "nonsense" and expressed eagerness for it to proceed, and current allegations that he is involved in a system designed to pressure the trial to cease. The report scrutinizes the tactics employed by the pro-Netanyahu camp over the past year, particularly in relation to Case 1000, which involves charges of illicit gift-giving to the prime minister and his family.

Campaigns have reduced the allegations in Case 1000 to simplistic slogans like "Bugs Bunny" and "Cigars and Champagne." These slogans refer to an alleged cartoon doll gift to Netanyahu's son decades ago and gifts of cigars and champagne worth over $200,000 from billionaire Arnon Milchan and James Packer between 2011 and 2016, allegedly in exchange for political favors. The broadcast aimed to counter this narrative by reminding viewers that the "Bugs Bunny" doll is not mentioned in the indictment and that the value of the gifts, and the core allegations of bribery for political benefits, are far more substantial than these slogans suggest.

Furthermore, the investigation touched upon Case 4000, which examines the alleged connection between governmental power, regulatory benefits, and requests from Netanyahu and his associates. The broadcast also questioned the push by Netanyahu's supporters for President Isaac Herzog to grant a pardon, even without an explicit request from the prime minister, referencing previous interviews on the matter.

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How can it be that the same prime minister who declared eight years ago that claims he is evading his trial are "nonsense," and that he has "been waiting for it," is also the same leader who has allegedly been operating a system to pressure the trial to cease?