Netanyahu Challenger Faces Possible Legal Probe

As Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s trial for alleged corruption in three separate cases is set to begin on March 17, Israel’s state prosecutors will reportedly recommend that a company once headed by his chief political rival be investigated for potential wrongdoing. Fifth Dimension is a bankrupt cybersecurity company founded by Benny Gantz, who in advance of the March 2 national election has been highly critical of the caretaker prime minister, saying he would not form a government with him due to the criminal cases pending against Netanyahu. While Gantz reportedly is not considered a suspect, analysts have pointed out that the development hardly dovetails with his political message of “draining the swamp.” Gantz suggested in an interview that the investigation was merely “spin” and the result of “political pressure.” Last year, a state comptroller report suggested that the company misled police into granting it a deal that paid over $1 million before the firm went belly up. Fifth Dimension declared bankruptcy after its main investor, a tycoon close to Russian President Vladimir Putin, was sanctioned by the US government.