Israeli police: Indict PM for graft
Cops recommend move amid Netanyahu’s plea of innocence
Jerusalem: Israeli police recommended Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu be indicted in two cases of alleged corruption after a long-running probe in a move set to shake the country’s politics.
A decision to press formal charges against the veteran premier now rests with the attorney general’s office, which is expected to take weeks or months to decide how to proceed.
Netanyahu, prime minister for nearly 12 years, addressed the nation as news of the recommendations broke, proclaiming his innocence and pledging to continue to lead the country.
“Over the years, I have been the subject of at least 15 enquiries and investigations,” Netanyahu said in the televised address, standing before four Israeli flags and appearing tense.
“Some have ended with thunderous police recommendations like those of tonight. All of those attempts resulted in nothing, and this time again they will come to nothing.”
A premier who is facing such police recommendations or who has been formally charged with offences is not obliged to resign.
Police said in a statement they were recommending his indictment on bribery, fraud and breach of public trust.
Police have been investigating Netanyahu over suspicions that he and his family received expensive gifts from Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan and Australian billionaire James Packer. The gifts allegedly included pricey cigars, jewellery, and champagne.
The total value of the gifts received between 2007 and 2016 is estimated at around one million shekels (RM1.1mil), according to police.
They have also been probing allegations Netanyahu sought a secret deal for favourable coverage with the publisher of top-selling newspaper Yediot Aharonot.
Police recommended indicting Milchan and the publisher, Arnon Moses, with bribery as well, the statement said.
“Those recommendations have no legal value in a democratic country,” Netanyahu said in his address, referring to his own case.
He added that “our government will finish its term and I am sure that in the next elections (due in 2019), I will again win your confidence”.