Senior Shas MK: We’re preparing for new elections

A senior lawmaker from the ultra-Orthodox Shas party said Sunday that the ongoing investigation into Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “does not look good” and that his party, a member of the government coalition, was preparing for elections.

“We are preparing for fresh elections. The entire business does not smell good,” the ultra-Orthodox news site Kikar Hashabat quoted an unnamed Shas MK as saying. “It’s not going to be easy.”

Police have been investigating allegations that a number of businessmen have given lucrative gifts to Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, over his years in office. The prime minister has been questioned under caution about the claims, known as Case 1000.

Police are also investigating another case, known as Case 2000, in which Netanyahu is believed to have offered the publisher of Israel’s biggest-selling daily Yedioth Ahronoth to reduce the impact of Yedioth’s pro-Netanyahu rival, Israel Hayom, in exchange for more favorable coverage.

The Shas MK said that “the situation does not look good. All options are on the table. Shas is preparing for all eventualities” including elections. The lawmaker said he believed that an indictment against the prime minister was possible.

This assessment contradicts the official view of the Likud party. Coalition head David Bitan, seen as a close Netanyahu confidant, said he was sure Netanyahu would not be indicted in the case, but even if he was, he could remain in power.

Experts say the prime minister does not by law have to step down if he is indicted. Former prime minister Ehud Olmert, currently in jail for fraud, stepped down while under investigation in 2008 and before being indicted.