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Netanyahu goes on offensive against 'fake news'

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Agence France Presse

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2017/overseas/08/31/benjamin-netanyahu.jpg"/><figcaption>Israeli Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during an event by his Likud Party to show support for its leader in Tel Aviv, Israel. <em>Amir Cohen, Reuters</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>JERUSALEM - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday went on the offensive against &quot;fake news&quot; in the Israeli media implicating him in alleged corruption cases.</p><p>&quot;The &#x27;fake news&#x27; industry has reached a record level. The aim is to secure indictments, at whatever price and quickly, against me,&quot; he told a meeting of activists of his rightwing Likud party near Tel Aviv&#x27;s Ben Gurion airport.</p><p>Netanyahu was borrowing a term coined by US President Donald Trump, a darling of the Israeli right, to denigrate the media.</p><p>The premier has come under increased pressure since a former chief of staff, investigated in graft cases involving the premier, agreed to turn state witness.</p><p>According to media reports, former aide Ari Harow has already been supplying investigators with information regarding two of the ongoing investigations.</p><p>One is based on suspicions that Netanyahu unlawfully received gifts from wealthy supporters, including Australian billionaire James Packer and Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan.</p><p>Also being probed are allegations that the prime minister sought a secret deal with the publisher of top-selling daily Yediot Aharonot.</p><p>Netanyahu, who has been questioned on both cases, has repeatedly proclaimed his innocence.</p><div><em>jlr/hc/ah</em></div><div><strong>© Agence France-Presse</strong></div>

<p>JERUSALEM - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday went on the offensive against "fake news" in the Israeli media implicating him in alleged corruption cases.</p>

JERUSALEM - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday went on the offensive against "fake news" in the Israeli media implicating him in alleged corruption cases.