“Both of them are my personal friends. These relations are important. I don’t interfere in this matter,” said Netanyahu.
“[Israel] works every few days to prevent Iranian entrenchment in Syria, and our freedom of action there is preserved in part because of our relations with Russia,” he added, hinting at why he wasn’t at liberty to take as tough a stance on Putin as Biden has.
The premier was dismissive when asked whether he was concerned he could face imprisonment in the cases, insisting that the allegations are “crumbling” and will continue to “crumble.”
Asked whether the judges hearing his case can be trusted to rule fairly, Netanyahu responded, “I really hope so.”
The Army Radio interviewer also raised last week’s canceled trip to the United Arab Emirates. Netanyahu said it wasn’t scuttled because of the UAE, but rather due to a “malfunction” — an apparent reference to a dispute with Jordan over using its airspace to fly to Abu Dhabi. Israel has blamed Amman for the cancellation of last week’s trip.
The premier has also been accused of barring Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi from flying to the UAE before he does.
“Gabi Ashkenazi will probably visit the Emirates, or his successor will get there. Don’t worry,” Netanyahu said.
The prime minister has sought to burnish his credentials as Israel’s leading statesman as part of his reelection pitch ahead of March 23 polls, and a UAE visit could have aided that effort.
