A-G announces preliminary probe into claims against PM

Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit says there is a preliminary probe into criminal allegations against Netanyahu, but does not specify the nature of the accusations.

“I wish to inform you that in light of information received regarding affairs that pertain to, among others, the prime minister, and which was presented to the attorney general by the police investigations and intelligence branch, the attorney general conducted a number of discussions in association with the state prosecutor, other senior officials in the Justice Ministry and the police investigations and intelligence branch,” Mandelblit says in a statement to the media.

He stresses, however, that this is a preliminary probe and as such no criminal investigation has been launched into the affairs of the prime minister.

Channel 10 reported Friday that police were examining allegations that Netanyahu and a senior official in the justice system were involved in a “large-scale” corruption operation. According to Channel 2, the allegations pertain to the transfer of “large sums” of money to one of Netanyahu’s family members “for non-political purposes.”