Published 23:32 IST, November 21st 2019
Israel's Netanyahu charged in corruption cases
Israel's attorney general has charged PM Benjamin Netanyahu in a series of corruption cases, throwing the country's political system into further disarray
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Israel's attorney general on Thursday formally charged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a series of corruption cases, throwing the country's paralysed political system into further disarray and threatening the long-time leader's grip on power.
Benjamin Netanyahu charged with fraud
Attorney-General Avichai Mandelblit charged Netanyahu with fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes in three different scandals. It is the first time a sitting Israeli Prime Minister has been charged with a crime. Mandelblit was set to issue a formal statement later Thursday. Allegations against Netanyahu include suspicions he accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars of champagne and cigars from billionaire friends, offered to trade favours with a newspaper publisher and used his influence to help a wealthy telecom magnate in exchange for favourable coverage on a popular news site.
Netanyahu dismisses allegations
The indictment does not require Netanyahu to resign but is expected to raise pressure on him to step down. Netanyahu has called the allegations part of a witch hunt, lashing out against the media, police, prosecutors and the justice system. Netanyahu was scheduled to issue a statement later Thursday.
23:19 IST, November 21st 2019