Israeli Prime Minister: Corruption Allegations Against Me Will Lead Nowhere

Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, has expressed 'confidence' that the corruption allegations against him will lead nowhere and that he will remain in power. According to the Jerusalem Post, Mr. Netanyahu stated in private remarks to members of the Likud party in the Knesset on Monday, August 7, that 'there is no reason to be afraid.' The Prime Minister accused his political rivals and the media of setting a 'trap' against him to change the ruling government, knowing they can never remove him 'through the votes of the people.' The Jerusalem Post reported that Mr. Netanyahu criticized some of his party ministers who are preparing to take over the leadership of Likud and are not defending him adequately, with most of his criticism directed at Yisrael Katz. On the same day, Mr. Netanyahu also wrote on Facebook addressing the Palestinians, stating that their intention to bring down his government will not materialize. Previously, Palestinian officials had claimed that the fall of Netanyahu's government was imminent, making it pointless to respond to U.S. political initiatives aimed at resuming peace talks with Israel. Israeli police confirmed last week that they had recommended to the country's attorney general to file an indictment against Mr. Netanyahu on charges of 'bribery.' Meanwhile, last Friday, Ari Harow, a longtime advisor and former chief of staff to the Prime Minister, signed an agreement with Israeli legal authorities to testify against Netanyahu in exchange for not being prosecuted. Kourosh Barnour, an Iranian-born investigator in the Israeli police's anti-corruption unit, has opened two cases against Mr. Netanyahu and has interrogated him for hours on three occasions. The allegations involve receiving cigars and champagne from billionaire friends over a period of seventeen years and suspicion of collusion with the owner of the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper to undermine the credibility of the rival 'Israel Hayom' newspaper to bolster Netanyahu's standing. Mr. Netanyahu has acknowledged receiving cigars but claims he has committed no wrongdoing as the gift-givers are close family friends. The Israeli police reportedly sought to file an indictment against Mr. Netanyahu regarding the collusion case involving newspapers, not the cigar gifts. However, the Jerusalem Post reported on Tuesday, August 8, that Ari Harow was receiving gifts for Netanyahu. Meanwhile, the Israeli Supreme Court ruled on Monday that the Prime Minister's Office must publish the times of all phone conversations between Mr. Netanyahu and Sheldon Adelson, an American billionaire supporter of Netanyahu and owner of the 'Israel Hayom' newspaper, who has been questioned by Israeli police twice in recent weeks as an 'informed' person and not a suspect. In recent polls, 66% of Israelis stated that if the cases lead to an indictment against Netanyahu, they would want him to resign, while only 27% expressed confidence in his innocence. Additionally, polls indicate that with other politicians leading the Likud party instead of Netanyahu, the party could become stronger in potential early elections. Netanyahu's political rivals in other parties have put him under intense pressure to step down, but he has responded by saying, 'It is too early to order a suit for the Prime Minister's office.' At the same time, Israeli media have reported that the Israeli attorney general will soon file an indictment against Mrs. Sara Netanyahu, the Prime Minister's wife, for some irregularities in managing the Prime Minister's residence. Mrs. Netanyahu has been interrogated multiple times and has been a constant presence in Israeli courts in cases brought against her by former staff members of the Prime Minister's Office, ranging from electricians to waiters. On the other hand, Mrs. Netanyahu has been cleared of allegations in some cases, and rulings have also been issued for financial compensation to her due to baseless accusations made against her.