Shas party says it is confident Netanyahu will be proven innocent

In the first reaction to the charges announced against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by a party allied with the ruling Likud party, the ultra-Orthodox Shas says it is confident the premier’s innocence will be proven in court.

“We support the prime minister, a person who has contributed immensely to the security and development of the State of Israel,” Shas says in a statement.

“Mr. prime minister, we believe and are confident that your innocence will be proven and justice will be served. Be strong and don’t fret. This is a difficult day for the State of Israel. We pray that Israel will come out of this tough crisis strong and unified.”