JERUSALEM (JTA) — American Jewish billionaire philanthropist Sheldon Adelson was questioned by Israeli police for a second time in a corruption investigation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Adelson met Monday with investigators from the serious crime investigative unit. His wife, Miriam, also was scheduled to meet with investigators.
Police have assured the Adelsons that they are not suspects in the investigation, known as Case 2000. Adelson first met with investigators in May when he and his wife visited Israel in connection with President Donald Trump’s visit.
On Sunday night, the couple attended a Birthright Israel event marking the project’s 600,000th participant.
Adelson, a casino magnate, is the owner of the pro-Netanyahu daily newspaper Israel Hayom, which is distributed for free. Part of the investigation includes accusations that Netanyahu and Arnon Mozes, publisher of the daily Yediot Acharanot, discussed a deal in which Netanyahu would receive favorable coverage in Yediot in exchange for legislation that would cut into the circulation of Adelson’s paper.
In recordings obtained by police of Netanyahu and Mozes discussing such a deal, they referred to Adelson as the “gingy,” or redhead. Investigators reportedly have asked if Adelson was aware of the deal. Reports following the first round of questioning said that Adelson was not made aware of the deal by Netanyahu.
Miriam Adelson reportedly deals with the couple’s Israeli affairs, including the newspaper. The Adelsons and Netanyahus are considered to be close friends.
