Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu ‘to be indicted for corruption’ – bribery and fraud charges

The Israeli leader, 69, is reportedly accused of crimes including bribery, fraud and breach of trust.

He is suspected of wrongfully accepting gifts from wealthy businessmen and dispensing favours in alleged bids for favourable coverage by a newspaper and a website.

Israeli TV reported this afternoon that the country’s attorney general intends to indict Mr Netanyahu following a series of long-running investigations.

His right-wing Likud party labelled the reported charges “political persecution”.

The incumbent PM, who is seeking to win a fourth consecutive term in the election April 9, denies any wrongdoing.

Mr Netanyahu will have the chance to persuade the attorney general not to indict him at a hearing, which is likely to take place after the election.

He is due to deliver a statement at 6pm GMT (8pm local time).

More to follow…

source: express.co.uk