Israel police recommend corruption charges for Netanyahu

Netanyahu, prime minister for a total of nearly 12 years, addressed the nation as news of the recommendations broke, proclaiming his innocence and making clear he had no intention of resigning.

“Over the years, I have been the subject of at least 15 enquiries and investigations,” Netanyahu said in the televised address, standing before four Israeli flags and appearing tense.

“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.”

A decision on whether to press formal charges against him now rests with the attorney general’s office, which is expected to take weeks or months to decide how to proceed.

A prime minister facing such police recommendations or who has been formally charged is not obliged to resign.

Police said in a statement they were recommending his indictment on bribery, fraud and breach of public trust.

They have been investigating Netanyahu over suspicions that he and his family received expensive gifts from Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan and Australian billionaire James Packer.

The gifts allegedly included pricey cigars, jewellery, and champagne.

The total value of the gifts received between 2007 and 2016 is estimated at around one million shekels (229,000 euros, $283,000), according to police.

They have also been probing allegations Netanyahu sought a secret deal for favourable coverage with the publisher of top-selling newspaper Yediot Aharonot.

Police recommended indicting Milchan and the publisher, Arnon Moses, with bribery as well, the statement said.

– Mounting pressure –

“Those recommendations have no legal value in a democratic country,” Netanyahu said in his address, referring to his own case.

He added that “our government will finish its term and I am sure that in the next elections (due in 2019), I will again win your confidence”.

Avi Gabbay, leader of the opposition Labour party, said “the Netanyahu era is over.”

“It is the duty of every decent public figure to strengthen the police and the law and to act to end the path of the government headed by Netanyahu,” he wrote on Twitter.

The 68-year-old right-wing premier has been questioned seven times by police over the allegations and has called the investigation an attempt by political opponents to force him from office.

Last week, Netanyahu lashed out at police in a rare attack as indications grew that detectives were preparing to recommend his indictment, questioning their ability to act fairly.

In Tuesday’s recommendations, police said Netanyahu had been suspected of trying to help Milchan receive tax benefits in Israel, of assisting him in receiving a visa in the United States and of promoting his business interests.

Milchan, who is Israeli, has produced many films, including the blockbuster “Pretty Woman”.

Police said they had questioned some 80 witnesses.

While an indictment alone would not legally oblige Netanyahu to resign, he would likely face mounting pressure to do so. He would be legally forced to step down if convicted and with all appeals exhausted.

He has already faced a series of large protests in Tel Aviv over the corruption cases.

Parliament could also enact a special procedure against him before his case is exhausted if he is found to be guilty of moral turpitude.

– ‘Seemly manner’ –

Netanyahu’s time as premier is fast approaching Israel’s revered founding father David Ben-Gurion’s 13 years, and he has shown himself to be a shrewd politician.

He first held the office from 1996-1999 before returning in 2009.

But an indictment is sure to encourage his political rivals — including those from within his own Likud party — to move against him.

His governing coalition, seen as the most right-wing in Israeli history, appears firm for now, but reactions from key members in the coming days will be watched closely for signs of fissures.

His coalition controls 66 seats out of 120 in parliament.

Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon, whose centre-right Kulanu party controls 10 seats, will be among those facing tough questions over whether he will stick with Netanyahu.

Israel has not shied away from pursuing criminal cases against top politicians.

Former prime minister Ehud Olmert resigned from office after police recommended he be indicted for graft. He was freed from prison in July after being granted parole from a 27-month sentence.

He has largely remained out of the public eye since his release, but Israeli media reported that he broke his silence on the Netanyahu case last week.

“I wish for the prime minister that he end his term quickly and in a seemly manner,” Olmert, also known for his taste for fine cigars, was quoted as saying.