In a political arrangement that would embarrass a Mafia accountant, Israeli police recommended indicting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for receiving roughly $283,000 worth of gifts — cigars, champagne, and other tokens of affection — from Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan and Australian billionaire James Packer. In exchange, Netanyahu allegedly pushed legislation that would have given tax exemptions to Israelis returning from abroad, a category that conveniently included Milchan. Police also recommended charging Milchan with bribery, though the attorney general later found insufficient grounds to proceed against him. Netanyahu, who has governed Israel since 2009, dismissed the allegations as a 'witch hunt' and warned rivals to 'hold off partying.' Milchan, producer of Fight Club and Gone Girl — films, coincidentally, about elaborate deceptions — testified remotely from Brighton, citing medical grounds for his refusal to travel to Israel. The prime minister characterized the entire investigation as a conspiracy by overzealous police and hostile media. Nothing says innocent like a three-hour police interrogation at your own residence followed by a press conference about how innocent you are.