PM says bribery claims all false

ISRAELI police have recommended that Benjamin Netanyahu be indicted on bribery and breach of trust charges in a pair of corruption cases, dealing an embarrassing blow to the embattled prime minister that is likely to fuel calls for him to step down.

Mr Netanyahu angrily rejected the accusations, which included accepting nearly $300,000 in gifts from a pair of billionaires. He accused police of being on a witch hunt and vowed to remain in office and even seek re-election.

“I will continue to lead the state of Israel responsibly and loyally as long as you, the citizens of Israel, choose me to lead you,” Mr Netanyahu said in a televised address. “I am sure that the truth will come to light. And I am sure that also in the next election that will take place on time I will win your trust again with God’s help.”

The recommendations marked a dramatic ending to a more than year-long investigation into allegations that Mr Netanyahu accepted gifts from Hollywood mogul Arnon Milchan and Australian billionaire James Packer and suspicions that he offered to give preferential treatment to a newspaper publisher in exchange for favourable coverage.

The recommendations now go to Attorney-General Avihai Mendelblit, who will review the material before deciding whether to file charges.

Mr Netanyahu can remain in office during that process, which is expected to drag on for months.

In the immediate aftermath of the police announcement, reactions quickly fell along partisan lines.

Former prime minister Ehud Barak, a bitter rival of Mr Netanyahu, called on him to suspend himself and for the coalition to appoint a replacement yesterday morning.

“The depth of corruption is horrifying,” Mr Barak said.

THE DEPTH OF CORRUPTION IS HORRIFYING. THIS DOES NOT LOOK LIKE NOTHING. THIS LOOKS LIKE BRIBERY EHUD BARAK

“This does not look like nothing. This looks like bribery.”

But key members of Netanyahu’s Likud Party rallied behind him.

Cabinet minister Miri Regev urged patience while the Attorney-General reviews the case.

In a statement, police said their investigation found enough evidence to indict Mr Netanyahu for accepting bribes, fraud and breach of trust.

The police statement said Mr Netanyahu had accepted gifts valued at 750,000 shekels ($214,000) from Mr Milchan, and 250,000 shekels ($71,000) from Mr Packer.

There was no immediate comment from Mr Packer.