Netanyahu´s political practices come into question as report alleges fiscal improprieties

When serving as a minister in Ariel Sharon´s government, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signed a letter of recommendation praising the qualifications of Tony Gelbart, a businessman and chairman of the Nefesh B´Nefesh organization.

Meanwhile, for his part, Gelbart paid Netanyahu tens of thousands of dollars to give lectures and donated tens of thousands of shekels to Netanyahu when he was running for Likud chairman, Haaretz newspaper reported on Friday.

According to an expose which was broadcast by Channel 10 last year, following and in depth investigation carried out by reporter Raviv Drucker, Netanyahu and Gelbart held close ties. Netanyahu´s phonebook clearly stated that he was a "business associate. Lives in Florida, wealthy."

It was also stated that when Netanyahu was a private citizen he made money from, among other things, arranging meetings where each meeting cost $8,000. Among the people he arranged meetings with was Gelbart.

Netanyahu received additional payment from Gelbart when he spoke at lectures: $40,000 per lecture. Gelbart also paid for Sara Netanyahu to go abroad and twice Netanyahu reported that he received donations from Gelbart to the state comptroller.

Documents obtained by Haaretz indicated that the relationship was mutual. A few days before Netanyahu became finance minister toward the end of February 2003, Gelbart sent a draft recommendation letter for himself to George Birnbaum, a US political consultant, now a partner of Arthur Finkelstein, who advised Netanyahu in the past.

Mutual praise

Birnbaum passed the letter to the foreign minister´s office (the role Netanyhau held at the time) with a cover page in which he wrote: "Please have Mr. Netanyahu review, put on his letterhead, sign and fax back by Friday afternoon if possible. It is very urgent."

The letter Netanyahu sent in response praised Gelbart´s efforts as a businessman:

"To Whom It May Concern: I consider Tony Gelbart a good friend. Over the past several years, I have come to know him as a business man, a philanthropist and close confidant. As a business man, family man and friend, I find that Tony exemplifies the highest standards of integrity and commitment.

"Tony´s commitment to strengthening the State of Israel as a country, and his commitment to businesses and creating jobs have proven an invaluable asset to me and the State of Israel. In addition, his tireless efforts also strengthen the ties of both people and businesses between the United States and Israel.

"Having recently met with him, I am confident more than ever that he will continue his efforts with the utmost concern, passion and ethics."

Another incident mentioned by Haaretz involves Australian billionaire John Gandel. In 2004 Netanyahu sent Gandel a birthday card in honor of his 70th birthday and also tried to arrange for a birthday card from then president Moshe Katsav.

Netanyahu´s office manager, Tzipi Navon wrote to presidential aide Moshe Goral on official letterhead: "Following our phone conversation, please send me the president´s birthday greeting to John Gandel by fax … Thank you, Tzipi."

In response to a query from Haaretz, Gelbart replied: "Over the years I have received many letters of recommendation and endorsement from prominent individuals for my work on behalf of the Jewish people both in the USA and Israel.

"I can´t recall this specific one which you are enquiring about. Furthermore, I don´t remember funding any flight for Mrs. Netanyahu which you say occurred 12 or 13 years ago."

The Prime Minister´s Office said in response: "Tony Gelbart, one of the founders of Nefesh B´Nefesh, which encourages Jewish immigration to Israel, is among the greatest contributors to the state. The prime minister would be happy to continue to praise any individual whose contribution to the state is as great."

"John Gandel, among the largest contributors to the ´computer for every child´ project, is also deserving of thanks on behalf of the state. A greeting for his 70th birthday is an appropriate and personal act."

George Birnbaum was not available for comment. (Copyright 2012 © Yedioth Internet 06/01/12)