Isareli PM Netanyahu refuses to resign over accusations of alleged corruption, The Israeli police recommended to indict Benjamin Netanyahu on charges of bribery and abuse of trust in a couple of cases of corruption
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday rejected the police's recommendation to bring corruption charges against him, calling the accusations "biased, extreme, full of holes, like Swiss cheese" and promised to continue in The charge.
Speaking at a local government meeting in Tel Aviv, Netanyahu said his executive remains stable despite the police announcement, adding that "the truth will come to light and this will come to nothing."
The leaders of the Israeli opposition earlier on Wednesday asked for the resignation of the prime minister, but the leader angrily rejected the requests.
The police announced on Tuesday night that Netanyahu accepted almost $ 300,000 in gifts from two billionaires, giving an embarrassing setback to the prime minister after years of inquiries. The decision did not seem to immediately shake his long term judging by the reaction of his government partners.
Almost all of Netanyahu's government ministers issued statements of support and no member of his coalition seemed willing to abandon it. The leader of Netanyahu's coalition, David Amsalem, dismissed the recommendations and accused the police of committing "an illegitimate act to attempt a coup in Israel."
Opposition politicians, on the other hand, requested the resignation of Netanyahu and asked the members of the coalition to leave the executive.
The leader of the Labor Party, Avi Gabbay, declared that Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon and Education Minister Naftali Bennett, leaders of two of the main formations of the prime minister's government group, had to choose between backing the leader or defend the rule of law.
"I think it is clear that this government needs to hold elections, it can not be that this government continues as it is," Gabbay told Israel Army Radio. "A prime minister who deals with attacking his police and law enforcement is attacking himself, attacking the country."
"There really is a culture of government corruption," he added.
The police recommendations will be forwarded to Attorney General Avihai Mendelblit, who will review the documents before deciding whether to file charges. Netanyahu can continue in his position during the process, which could last for months. Both Kahlon and Bennet said they will wait for Mandelblit's decision to decide what to do next.
On Tuesday night, Netanyahu accused the police of carrying out a witch hunt and assured that he will remain in office and that he will even seek re-election.
"I will continue to lead the State of Israel responsibly and loyally as long as you, the citizens of Israel, choose me to lead you," Netanyahu said in a speech with an emaciated face. "I am sure that the truth will come to light, and I am sure that also in the upcoming elections that will be held on time, I will gain their trust again with the help of God."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday rejected the police's recommendation to bring corruption charges against him, calling the accusations "biased, extreme, full of holes, like Swiss cheese" and promised to continue in The charge.
Speaking at a local government meeting in Tel Aviv, Netanyahu said his executive remains stable despite the police announcement, adding that "the truth will come to light and this will come to nothing."
The leaders of the Israeli opposition earlier on Wednesday asked for the resignation of the prime minister, but the leader angrily rejected the requests.
The police announced on Tuesday night that Netanyahu accepted almost $ 300,000 in gifts from two billionaires, giving an embarrassing setback to the prime minister after years of inquiries. The decision did not seem to immediately shake his long term judging by the reaction of his government partners.
Almost all of Netanyahu's government ministers issued statements of support and no member of his coalition seemed willing to abandon it. The leader of Netanyahu's coalition, David Amsalem, dismissed the recommendations and accused the police of committing "an illegitimate act to attempt a coup in Israel."
Opposition politicians, on the other hand, requested the resignation of Netanyahu and asked the members of the coalition to leave the executive.
The leader of the Labor Party, Avi Gabbay, declared that Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon and Education Minister Naftali Bennett, leaders of two of the main formations of the prime minister's government group, had to choose between backing the leader or defend the rule of law.
"I think it is clear that this government needs to hold elections, it can not be that this government continues as it is," Gabbay told Israel Army Radio. "A prime minister who deals with attacking his police and law enforcement is attacking himself, attacking the country."
"There really is a culture of government corruption," he added.
The police recommendations will be forwarded to Attorney General Avihai Mendelblit, who will review the documents before deciding whether to file charges. Netanyahu can continue in his position during the process, which could last for months. Both Kahlon and Bennet said they will wait for Mandelblit's decision to decide what to do next.
On Tuesday night, Netanyahu accused the police of carrying out a witch hunt and assured that he will remain in office and that he will even seek re-election.
"I will continue to lead the State of Israel responsibly and loyally as long as you, the citizens of Israel, choose me to lead you," Netanyahu said in a speech with an emaciated face. "I am sure that the truth will come to light, and I am sure that also in the upcoming elections that will be held on time, I will gain their trust again with the help of God."
