Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu Indicted For Corruption Ahead Of Re-election Bid

Israel might be facing the prospect of a new prime minister 5-1/2 weeks from now as Benjamin Netanyahu finds himself battling against a looming indictment for corruption by the Israeli Attorney-General.

Netanyahu will be indicted on bribery and breach of trust charges arising from three separate corruption investigations pending a hearing, said Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit, who was appointed to his post by Netanyahu.

With April’s general election less than six weeks away, the indictment is seen as a severe blow to Netanyahu’s chances of being elected to a fifth term as Israeli prime minister.

Netanyahu, a close ally of president Donald Trump, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. He blasted the attorney-general’s investigations as a media-led witch hunt. He also blamed the left for pressuring Mandelblit to issue the indictment.

"The left understands that they will not beat me at the ballot box," said Netanyahu. "They exerted extraordinary pressure on the attorney general to issue an indictment even though there is nothing, in order to influence the elections and to crown a left-wing government."

"This entire house of cards of collapse. I am sure of it 4,000%," said the right-wing leader.

Under Israeli law, Netanyahu isn’t required to step down if he’s indicted. He’s only required to step down if he is convicted and if that conviction is upheld through the appeals process. This process might take years, meaning that if Netanyahu wins in April and is convicted, Israel will have a criminal prime minister

Benjamin Gantz, former Chief of General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces and founder of the Kachol Lavan political party, is Netanyahu’s opponent for prime minister. He called on Netanyahu to resign after the attorney general's announcement.

"Because of the circumstances which have arisen, sitting (in a future government) with Benjamin Netanyahu is not something which is on the table," said Gantz today.

"Benjamin Netanyahu -- I turn to you this evening. Get over yourself and show national responsibility. Resign from your position. If you prove that you are innocent, you can return to the public realm and again lead your movement.”

Political analysts said Netanyahu's political enemies will use the investigations and the indictment against him. Netanyahu’s future, however, lies in the hands of his coalition partners, who must now decide whether to support a leader that’s been indicted or withdraw support and risk angering their right-wing voter base.

For now, key right-wing coalition partners said they still support Netanyahu because he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.