Police investigating corruption arrive at home of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
Detectives have previously questioned him over allegations he received gifts from Hollywood and business figures
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Police have arrived at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's official residence as part of an investigation into corruption allegations.
Detectives have previously questioned him over claims he received gifts from Hollywood and business figures.
A separate probe is looking into secret talks with the publisher of a major Israeli newspaper in which the Israeli leader allegedly requested positive coverage in exchange for reining in a free pro-Netanyahu daily.
Police were questioning Mr Netanyahu for the sixth time on Sunday, according to Israeli media. A police spokeswoman declined to confirm the reports.
No charges have been brought against the Israeli leader, who has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and called the accusations against him a witch hunt orchestrated by a hostile media.
The scandal has yet to threaten his eight-year rule, but has harmed his public approval ratings.
Investigators arrived at Mr Netanyahu's official residence in Jerusalem late on Sunday afternoon and disappeared behind security gates.
Israeli media reported this week that police believe they have sufficient evidence to charge the Prime Minister with bribery for accepting gifts worth hundreds of thousands of shekels from wealthy businessmen.
Among the alleged donors is billionaire film producer Arnon Milchan, who purportedly gave cigars and champagne to the premier over a seven to eight-year period. In return, Mr Netanyahu is claimed to have lobbied then US Secretary of State John Kerry over Mr Milchan's bid to acquire a new US visa.
In a separate case, the Israeli leader's wife, Sara Netanyahu, is facing a trial over alleged misuse of public funds. She is accused of using money set aside for the prime minister’s official residence for furniture and improvements to the pair’s private home, among other offences.
Police said earlier this month that a top confidant of the Prime Minister had also been questioned as part of a different investigation into a $2bn (£1.5bn) submarine deal with Germany.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments