When I read about the cigars I laughed. That part of this “scandal” is so absurd. Does the PM not have the right to have friends, to share meals and be offered a stogie and a couple glasses of wine etc?
But just being honest with myself, I also know that part of the story is being managed by Bibi allies. I am a big fan of Bibi, always have. And I have not read or seen anything that reads like a smoking gun. But the stories do say “accepted gifts” and this is more than just cigars. I admit, I have no idea what these gifts are - rides in airplanes? Artwork? Again, the PM should have the right to have friends and be given birthday gifts or thoughtful gifts from friends and family provided of course it is not a bribe, not ridiculously extravagant especially if it is from people doing business with or needing things from the government. What is the value of all of it?
One way to judge is to put in all in perspective. What is the value of all gifts, over what period of time, how much of these gifts as a percentage of his personal wealth, who gave them and what they may have wanted in return if anything, and how does all this compare to what he may have potentially done if he were really intending to be corrupt. I would think Bibi, having been PM many times over decades could have finagled many millions of dollars over the years if he were a corrupt person. I don’t see or hear anything resembling that kind of scale. So my gut tells me this probably does not rise to the level of intentional criminality.
The other charge about him conspiring to damage one of the newspapers I know less about, I know nothing of his involvement or what he is accused of actually doing that would be criminal or corrupt. Trump goes on TV and attacks CNN, NYT, WP, for example.
I am not a big fan of Bibi. He’s bulldozed, through his surrogates, homes of my friends. But this story is trumped up BS, it seems.