JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel’s attorney general on Thursday formally charged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a series of corruption cases, throwing the country’s paralyzed political system into further disarray and threatening the long-time leader’s grip on power.
Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit charged Netanyahu with fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes in three different scandals. It is the first time a sitting Israeli prime minister has been charged with a crime. Mandelblit was set to issue a formal statement later Thursday.
Allegations against Netanyahu include suspicions he accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars of champagne and cigars from billionaire friends, offered to trade favors with a newspaper publisher and used his influence to help a wealthy telecom magnate in exchange for favorable coverage on a popular news site.
Venezuela releases multiple American citizens from prison following military operation
Rand Paul says GOP colleagues ‘don’t give a s‑‑t about these people in the boats’: They ‘say they’re pro-life’
DOJ says ‘no basis’ for civil rights investigation into Minneapolis ICE officer killing
GOP senator suggests Fed chair Powell resign now to dodge potential criminal indictment
House Democrats Flip, Join Republicans to Overturn Biden-Era Regulation
Minneapolis-area leaders condemn ICE, call for removal amid Trump deportation campaign
Suspected Venezuelan gangster in Portland CBP attack tied to shooting at apartment complex: police
Trump Issues Stern Mandate, Tells Tech Titans They Will Not Run Up American Utility Bills
RECKONING: Minnesota Republicans Preparing to Impeach Democratic Gov. Tim Walz
Anti-ICE Demonstrators Claimed Law Enforcement Ran Over a Protester – Then Dashcam Footage Was Released
Johnson: ‘No boots on the ground’ for Trump’s Greenland acquisition plans amid military speculation
Trump flips off Ford factory worker who yelled ‘pedophile protector’
Rubio says US can’t return 137 deported Venezuelans due to ‘delicate’ negotiations with Maduro’s successor
11 House Dems buck party to side with Republicans in reversal of Biden-era shower regulation
College basketball player gunned down on Nashville freeway, police hunting for suspects
The indictment does not require Netanyahu to resign but is expected to raise pressure on him to step down.
Netanyahu has called the allegations part of a witch hunt, lashing out against the media, police, prosecutors and the justice system.
Netanyahu was scheduled to issue a statement later Thursday.
Story cited here.
