Police officials have reportedly informed Netanyahu that they are recommending he be indicted for bribery and breach of trust in both of the corruption investigations against him.
According to Hadashot news, the prime minister’s lawyers have been informed of the impending police announcement to this effect.
In the so-called Case 1000, Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, are suspected of receiving illicit gifts from billionaire benefactors, reportedly including hundreds of thousands of shekels’ worth of cigars and champagne from the Israeli-born Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan.
Arnon Milchan, left, and Benjamin Netanyahu on March 28, 2005. (Flash90)
Case 2000 involves a suspected illicit quid-pro-quo deal between Netanyahu and Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper publisher Arnon Mozes that would have seen the prime minister weaken a rival daily, the Sheldon Adelson-backed Israel Hayom, in return for more favorable coverage from Yedioth.
Netanyahu denies any wrongdoing.
The police recommendations are not binding. A decision on whether to indict will be made by Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit, and the decision-making process may take some time.
In the interim, Netanyahu is expected to battle against calls to resign from opposition politicians.
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