The Fourth Time Station - Summary
- As part of the fourth time station, I reviewed the claims regarding economic interests and the actions taken in connection with obtaining a drilling license at Med Ashdod in the years 2010-2011.
Beyond the economic interest that the defendant held, along with Ben-Zaken, Leibowitz and others, the prosecution focused its arguments on two actions that were allegedly carried out by Ben-Eliezer for the benefit of the same economic interest, and on the claim that the defendant was aware of these actions, which were, inter alia, at the basis of the transfer of the money to Ben-Eliezer.
With regard to the first action, it was determined that the prosecution had failed to prove that the organization of the meeting between Ben-Zaken and senior officials at Noble Energy was done at Ben-Eliezer's request or with his knowledge, when in terms of the concrete evidence presented it is possible to reach a conclusion, with a high probability, that the organization of the meeting was founded solely by Ben-Zaken and Azoulay.
As to the defendant's involvement and awareness, it was determined that no proof was provided that could prove his involvement in promoting that meeting, real-time (or close to it) information about the circumstances that led to its taking place, and a possible assumption on his part that Ben-Eliezer was assisting in promoting his business by organizing a meeting with senior officials at Noble Energy (an assumption, as stated, was not proven even in relation to Ben-Eliezer).
With regard to the second action, it was proven that Ben-Eliezer made one phone call to Mimran and asked him to help Ben-Zaken in connection with the request to transfer the drilling rights. Ben-Eliezer did not use very direct language, but the improper message regarding "helping Ben-Zaken" was conveyed by him and absorbed by Mimran (who acted lawfully, and did not grant any relief to Ben-Zaken and the Shemen company). It was also determined that there was a reasonable possibility that Ben-Eliezer made the telephone call at the request of Ben-Zaken or Azoulay, or both.