JERUSALEM: PM Netanyahu’s reaction to the police recommendation to indict him, came in a televised speech where the PM insisted that he did nothing wrong and that he “will continue to lead” like he did all his life working for Israel, and that he will remain Prime Minister.
PM Netanyahu chose to address the public directly on television insisting that:”These (police) recommendations mean nothing in a democratic society” and he added that he will “continue to lead Israel responsibly and faithfully.”
Netanyahu went on to say that he did what he did for the sake of the country, not for “cigars from friends and not for better media coverage.”
Earlier, Israeli Police recommended indicting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in two corruption cases.
The recommendations by the police do not immediately threaten Netanyahu, but they are deeply embarrassing and could fuel calls for him to step aside.
For months, police have been investigating two cases. In one probe, Netanyahu reportedly received over $ 100,000 in gifts from Hollywood mogul Arnon Milchan and other wealthy supporters.
The other is over secret talks with the publisher of a major Israeli newspaper in which Netanyahu allegedly requested positive coverage in exchange for reining in a free pro-Netanyahu daily.
The attorney general will now review the police conclusions and decide whether to file charges.
