House visit: Israeli police question Netanyahu in corruption probe

Israeli police questioned Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu over a corruption case on Friday, AP reported.

Television footage showed investigators entering Netanyahu’s home, while his wife, Sara, was also reportedly questioned at another location.

This is the first time Netanyahu is being questioned over suspicion of promoting regulation that favoured the news website Walla in exchange for positive coverage of the prime minister.

News of the questioning comes ahead of Netanyahu’s visit to Washington on 5 March, where he is scheduled to meet with President Donald Trump and deliver a speech to the pro-Israel AIPAC lobby group.

Earlier this month, Israel’s police recommended indicting Netanyahu on two separate corruption charges. The first case revolved around Netanyahu allegedly receiving cigars and gifts from Hollywood producers totaling $283,000 – the Israeli prime minister reportedly smokes $5000 worth of cigars a month.

The police recommendation is currently with Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit, who will decide whether to press charges.

Netanyahu has denied any wrongdoing and has accused the media of a witch hunt.

Also this month, police arrested Netanyahu confidant Shlomo Filber, a former director of Israel’s communications ministry. Filber is now serving as a state witness.

The cases have given rise to opposition members and ordinary Israelis to call for the beleaguered prime minister to step aside.

In mid-February, thousands gathered to demand Netanyahu’s resignation, carrying signs including “crooks go home” and “crime minister”.

Several polls earlier this month showed the country divided — with between 45 to 50 per cent of Israelis saying Netanyahu should step down, compared to 40 to 43 per cent saying he should carry on.