Israel PM vows to hold onto power, AG: It is my duty by law to indict Benjamin Netanyahu
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defiantly vowed to hold onto power after being charged with bribery, fraud and breach of trust in connection with three separate cases – the first time in Israeli history against a sitting prime minister.
He condemned the charges as a “coup” attempt against him.
“I will not let the lie triumph,” he said during a defiant speech.
Mr Netanyahu is alleged to have accepted gifts from wealthy businessmen and dispensed favours to try to get more positive press coverage.
During a 15-minute tirade, Mr Netanyahu accused the judiciary, police and others of plotting against him with “politically motivated” allegations.
Earlier, Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit said he made the decision “with a heavy heart”, but said it showed nobody was above the law in Israel.
“Law enforcement is not a choice. It is not a matter of right or left. It’s not a matter of politics,” he said.
Mandelblit said that while he greatly admired Netanyahu’s talents, he was obligated by the law to press the charges against him. He said that no man was above the law, and that enforcing the law should not be used as a political football by either the Left or the Right.
“Out of a deep commitment to the law and the public interest, law enforcement is not something we can choose,” he went on. “It is not a matter of left or right or of politics. This is our duty.”
The announcement comes amid a political stand-off in Israel following two inconclusive general elections in April and September.
The indictment will significantly impact the ongoing efforts to form a coalition before December 11 when the period of 21 days expires.
Mandelblit will now ask the Knesset to waive Netanyahu’s immunity, a process which can take 30 days.
On Wednesday, Mr Netanyahu’s rival for the premiership, Benny Gantz, said he had been unable to form a governing coalition with a majority in parliament. He had been given the opportunity to try after Mr Netanyahu had earlier failed to do so.
