Israel’s Attorney General Recommends Indicting Netanyahu
After years of corruption investigations Israel’s Prime Minister is fighting for his political life
JERUSALEM — After two years of investigations, Israel’s attorney general recommended that the prime minister be charged with bribery in one case, and breach of trust in two others, subject to a hearing. Netanyahu hit back hard at the attorney general and what he called the leftist media, accusing them of trying to make sure he loses the upcoming election. He said he is 4,000 percent sure all of the accusations against him will be proved false, and that he will continue to be prime minister for many years to come. Earlier, before his announcement, Netanyahu got a boost from President Donald Trump. "I can say this — that he's done a great job as prime minister," said Trump. "He's tough. He's smart. He's strong. He is very defensive. His military has been built up a lot." The attorney general’s recommendation for indictment comes 39 days before Israel’s election and could swing support away from Netanyahu and his Likud party. A new centrist party, including three former army chiefs of staff, is gaining ground. Netanyahu insists he will not step down unless he is convicted. Even a final decision on indicting him after the hearing could take months. At the same time, the attorney general said he was dropping charges against Netanyahu’s wife, Sara in a separate investigation.