Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has hit back after police said he should be charged over alleged bribery cases.
Speaking on Israeli television, he branded the allegations “baseless” and pledged to continue as leader. Netanyahu said he was certain that the truth would be revealed.
His comments follow a police statement that said there was enough evidence to indict him for bribery, fraud and breach of trust in two separate cases.
But Netanyahu said the allegations “will end with nothing”. “I will continue to lead Israel responsibly and faithfully for as long as you, the citizens of Israel, choose me to lead you,” he said soon after the allegations came to light on Tuesday.
“I am certain that at the next elections, which will be held on schedule, I will earn your trust again, with God’s help,” he said.
The 68-year-old is in his second stint as prime minister, and has served in the role for a total of 12 years.
“Over the years, I have been the subject of at least 15 enquiries and investigations,” he said in his TV address.
“Some have ended with thunderous police recommendations like those of tonight. All of those attempts resulted in nothing, and this time again they will come to nothing.”
What are the allegations?
One case centres on an allegation that Mr Netanyahu asked the publisher of an Israeli newspaper, Yediot Aharonot, for positive coverage in exchange for help in reining in a rival publication.
Police said the editor of Yediot Aharonot, Arnon Mozes, should also face charges.
The second allegation centres on a claim that Netanyahu received gifts worth at least a million shekels ($283,000; £204,000) from Hollywood mogul Arnon Milchan and other supporters.
The Jerusalem Post says the gifts included champagne and cigars, and were given in exchange for help getting Mr Milchan a US visa.
Mr Milchan, the producer of films including Fight Club, Gone Girl and The Revenant, should face bribery charges, police said.
The police statement said that Netanyahu, after receiving gifts, pushed for the Milchan Law, which would have ensured that Israelis who return to live in Israel from abroad were exempt from paying taxes for 10 years.
The proposal was eventually blocked by the finance ministry.
Police say Netanyahu is also suspected of fraud and breach of trust in a case involving Australian billionaire James Packer.
Israel’s Channel 10 reported in December that Mr Packer told investigators he gave the prime minister and his wife Sara gifts.
Israeli media say Netanyahu has been questioned by investigators at least seven times.
A final decision on whether Netanyahu should face charges will come down to the attorney general’s office. A decision could take months to reach.
Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked said any prime minister who has been charged should not be obliged to resign.
The next legislative elections are scheduled for November 2019.
Netanyahu heads a fragile coalition, but on television, he appeared confident the allegations would not spur new elections.
