Israeli police have recommended that prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu be indicted on charges of bribery and breach of trust.
Following a 14-month investigation into two cases of alleged corruption, the country’s attorney general will examine the evidence and then decide whether to indict.
A police statement late on Tuesday said that enough evidence had been gathered against the prime minister for committing the crimes of “bribery, fraud, and breach of trust”.
Netanyahu then held a press conference in Jerusalem, vehemently denying any wrongdoing and dismissing rumours that he would step down.
He said the development was the latest in a long list of endeavours to remove him from government. “All these attempts end up with nothing because I know the truth. I tell you, also this time, things will end up with nothing. I will continue to lead Israel responsibly and faithfully,” he said, adding he plans to run in elections that must be held by the end of next year.
In a statement, police said Netanyahu had accepted gifts valued at 750,000 shekels (£150,000) from one benefactor, and 250,000 shekels (or £51,000) from another. In return, Netanyahu had helped them on visa matters and Israeli tax breaks.
Another case relates to secret talks with the publisher of a leading Israeli newspaper, Yedioth Ahronoth, in which Netanyahu allegedly requested positive coverage in exchange for damaging a competitor, the pro-Netanyahu freesheet Israel Hayom.
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Having ruled for close to 12 years during four terms, the 68-year-old leader heads a delicately balanced coalition that keeps him in power.
A poll by the local Channel 10 found last summer that 66% of Israelis believed the premier should resign if indicted. Weekly demonstrations over the slow pace of the investigations have also added pressure on officers to submit a recommendation.
