Israeli media have reported the existence of an audiotape that is increasing pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is facing an inquiry into corruption allegations.
The tape purports to carry a conversation with a newspaper owner in which they discuss actions that would be mutually beneficial. BBC reports
Mr Netanyahu was questioned by police last week in two different cases.
On Sunday he repeated that “nothing’s going to come” out of the inquiry.
The details of the conversation on the audiotape were carried in a report on Channel 2 television and the Haaretz newspaper.
They claim that the second person on the tape is Arnon “Noni” Mozes, the publisher of the Yedioth Ahronot newspaper.
Channel 2 and Haaretz allege that on the tape Mr Netanyahu offers Mr Mozes a deal under which the circulation of the competitor daily Israel Hayom would be limited in return for more favourable coverage of the PM in Yedioth Ahronot.
It was unclear when the purported conversation took place, although Haaretz said it may have been several months ago.
Haaretz said that Mr Mozes had also been questioned last week.
Israeli media have covered the story widely and say there has been no response so far from Mr Netanyahu or Mr Mozes.
