The nation's police force recommended the legal prosecution of Benjamin Netanyahu for corruption

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was accused by the authorities of his country of being involved in corruption, influence peddling, fraud, and breach of trust.

One of the situations that influenced most of these accusations is the supposed alliance with 'Yediot Aharonot', the most influential newspaper in the country. According to several sources, the media outlet has been responsible for propagating a positive image of the government, both nationally and internationally, in exchange of modifying its competitor's information and traffic. 

According to officials, Netanyahu promised Arnon Mozes, chief editor of the newspaper, he would control the publications made by the competition in exchange for exalting the work of the government on the Yediot.

The second charge levied on by Israeli policy is based on accepting gifts worth around US $ 283,000 from Hollywood mogul Arnon Milchan and other supporters back in 2009.

In addition to this, the daily Jerusalem Post – Yediot- competition revealed that luxury goods were received in exchange for a US visa. This has led Michan to face legal charges of bribery and corruption.

It is also noted, due to various research, that Netanyahu is involved in a scandal of fraud and breach of trust after the Australian tycoon James Parker confessed to the authorities that he had given luxury gifts both to the prime minister and his wife.

Faced with these accusations, Israeli police have recommended due process towards the prime minister. However, all evidence will be reviewed by the Attorney General, Avichai Mandelblit, who will decide whether or not to press charges.

Notably, Netanyahu can, and most likely will, remain at his post during the process.

Under said circumstances, the prime minister cataloged the allegations as "biased, extreme, full of holes like Swiss cheese" and promised to continue in office. He even emphasized that the executive branch remains stable and promised that "the truth will come out and its light will shine through".

However, according to James Reynolds, BBC correspondent in Jerusalem, the party leaders of Israel’s opposition, the Avoda (Labor Party), and Meretz (Laico Liberal Party) stated that said circumstances should lead to the resignation of Netanyahu.

It should be noted that, given the difficult situation, the government coalition has closed ranks around the prime minister. Education Minister, leader of the National Religious Party Habait Haiehudí (Jewish Home), and candidate for prime minister in future elections, Naftali Bennett, said they will continue to give support to Netanyahu while the attorney general decides on the adequate next steps.

Latin American Post | Julio Abella

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