JERUSALEM: Israeli police on Tuesday recommended that Prime MinisterBenjamin Netanyahu be indicted in two cases of alleged corruption after along-running probe in a move set to shake the country’s politics.——————————
A decision to press formal charges against the veteran premier now restswith the attorney general’s office, which is expected to take weeks ormonths to decide how to proceed.
Netanyahu, prime minister for nearly 12 years, addressed the nation as newsof the recommendations broke, proclaiming his innocence and pledging tocontinue to lead the country.
“Over the years, I have been the subject of at least 15 enquiries andinvestigations,” Netanyahu said in the televised address, standing beforefour Israeli flags and appearing tense.
“Some have ended with thunderous police recommendations like those oftonight. All of those attempts resulted in nothing, and this time againthey will come to nothing.”
A prime minister who is facing such police recommendations or who has beenformally charged with offences is not obliged to resign.
Police said in a statement they were recommending his indictment onbribery, fraud and breach of public trust.
Police have been investigating Netanyahu over suspicions that he and hisfamily received expensive gifts from Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan andAustralian 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 ataround one million shekels (229,000 euros, $283,000), according to police.
They have also been probing allegations Netanyahu sought a secret deal forfavourable coverage with the publisher of top-selling newspaper YediotAharonot.
Police recommended indicting Milchan and the publisher, Arnon Moses, withbribery 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 inthe next elections (due in 2019), I will again win your confidence.”
– Mounting pressure –
The 68-year-old right-wing premier has been questioned seven times bypolice over the allegations and has called the investigation an attempt bypolitical opponents to force him from office.
Last week, Netanyahu lashed out at police in a rare attack as indicationsgrew that detectives were preparing to recommend his indictment,questioning their ability to act fairly.
In Tuesday’s recommendations, police said Netanyahu had been suspected oftrying to help Milchan receive tax benefits in Israel, of assisting him inreceiving a visa in the United States and of promoting his businessinterests.
Milchan, who is Israeli, has produced many films, including the blockbuster“Pretty Woman”.
Police said they had questioned some 80 witnesses.
While an indictment alone would not legally oblige Netanyahu to resign, hewould likely face mounting pressure to do so. He would be legally forced tostep down if convicted and with all appeals exhausted.
He has already faced a series of large protests in Tel Aviv over thecorruption cases.
Parliament could also enact a special procedure against him before his caseis exhausted if he is found to be guilty of moral turpitude.
Netanyahu’s time as premier is fast approaching Israel’s revered foundingfather David Ben-Gurion’s 13 years, and he has shown himself to be a shrewdpolitician.
But an indictment is sure to encourage his political rivals — includingthose from within his own party — to move against him.
Israel has not shied away from pursuing criminal cases against toppoliticians.
Former prime minister Ehud Olmert resigned from office after policerecommended he be indicted for graft. He was freed from prison in Julyafter being granted parole from a 27-month sentence.
He has largely remained out of the public eye since his release, butIsraeli media reported that he broke his silence on the Netanyahu case lastweek.
“I wish for the prime minister that he end his term quickly and in a seemlymanner,” Olmert, also known for his taste for fine cigars, was quoted assaying.