Likud urging members to rally behind Netanyahu

The ruling Likud Party is organizing a rally in support of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in what it hopes will be a show of force by the beleaguered leader as he battles a slew of corruption allegations.

Likud leaders are putting heavy pressure on party activists to attend the rally this evening in Tel Aviv.

They say it’s meant to counter a vicious campaign by leftist media and overzealous police and state prosecution. But the gathering will also provide a test of Netanyahu’s popularity and control over his party.

Police suspect Netanyahu of being involved in bribery, fraud and breach of trust. Last week, former top aide Ari Harow agreed to testify against Netanyahu, raising speculation that an indictment could come soon.

Netanyahu denies any wrongdoing.

— with AP