riminal investigation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that may involve discussion of a secret deal that would benefit him and a newspaper owner and gifts from a Hollywood producer could be serious enough to threaten his hold on power, analysts say; Losangeles Times reported.

The corruption investigation involving Netanyahu this week gained intensity when Israeli media reported that a tape exists in which Netanyahu and newspaper owner Arnon Mozes may have been discussing a financial deal for Mozes that involved favorable coverage of Netanyahu.

The prime minister, who denies any wrongdoing, was questioned by authorities twice last week on suspicion of improperly accepting gifts, including a steady supply of high-end Cuban cigars and champagne provided by film mogul Arnon Milchan.

Though Netanyahu and media tycoon Arnon Mozes, owner of Yediot Aharonot newspaper, clashed repeatedly in public over the paper’s criticism of the prime minister, police apparently obtained recordings of a conversation in which the two discussed a deal in which Mozes would ensure favorable coverage of the prime minister, according to reports in the Haaretz newspaper and Channel 2 television.

In return, Netanyahu reportedly offered to push legislation to limit the power of Yediot Aharonot’s main rival, Israel Hayom, a free newspaper known for its favorable coverage of the prime minister and owned by U.S. casino magnate Sheldon Adelson.

218-11