Nir Hefetz's services were sought due to his relationship to Netanyahu

Ynetnews.com ^ | 2/22/2018 | Aviv Guter, Omer Kabir

[Nextrush]

The media consultant, a suspect in Case 4000 and Case 1270, is one of Netanyahu's closest confidants. He was allegedly sought out by many businessmen and major companies to advance their interests based on his close relationship with the PM.

Among the suspects in Case 4000 (the Bezeq corruption affair) and new Case 1270 (attempt to bribe District Court President Judge Hila Gersti with appointment to Attorney General in return for tossing out a case against the prime minister's wife Sara Netanyahu) one name stands out: Nir Hefetz.

Hefetz, who until recently was Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's media adviser, is considered one of Netanyahu's closest confidants and was often at the forefront defending the Netanyahu family in various media appearances.

Hefetz worked for the Netanyahus from 2014 to 2017. During that period, State Comptroller Yosef Shapira uncovered irregularities in the administration of the Prime Minister's Residence, leading police to launch a criminal investigation.

A source working at the residence at that time told Cacalist that Hefetz "assisted Sara in withholding the media pressure and served as a personal bodyguard of sorts to her. He invested a lot more work than would have been expected of him as the prime minister's spokeman."

Hefetz's relationship with the Netanyahu family began in 2009, when he was appointed head of the National Hasbara Forum after leaving his post at Yedioth Ahronoth. In December 2010 he left that post as well..........

[Nextrush]

A background report on a figure in the scandal cases involving PM Bibi Netanyahu in Israel.

There are links in the story to give you background on the two separate cases (4000 and 1270) and there's complexity to it with individuals related to 4000 arrested in recent days and one of them (Hefetz) mentioned in this story also suspect in 1270.