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.
Florida prisoner laughs as judge sentences him to life for killing cellmate with pen: ‘You are amusing’
Florida man’s execution date set for killing 2, including small child
Ilhan Omar Rages at Reporter Who Confronted Her About Financial Disclosure: ‘You’re Stupid’
Judge Slams the Brakes on Democrats’ Virginia Redistricting, Rules Every Vote ‘Ineffective’
Mexican national convicted of illegally voting in US after false citizenship claims faces removal: DHS
DC pipe bomb suspect pleads not guilty to terrorism and WMD charges
Virginia court declares state’s redistricting vote was unconstitutional in legal win for Republicans
National Gallery of Art receives record $116 million donation for America’s 250th birthday
Appeals Court Sides With Texas on 10 Commandments in Classroom, Overruling Lower Court
Chuck Schumer’s Attempt to Defend the SPLC from Stunning Indictment Earns Him Mockery
Virginia House GOP hangs election survival hopes on courts after gerrymander
Federal court blocks Newsom’s bid to shackle ICE in Trump immigration win
Dem senator likens ICE operations in American streets to oppressive British regime during Revolutionary War
Idaho murders: New book on Kohberger reveals previously unseen evidence, claims sheath could be inadmissible
Trump Rips SCOTUS a New One: Dems Don’t Need to Add Justices Because the Court Is ‘Already Packed’ for Them
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.
