Israel: Netanyahu questioned over corruption charges

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has been questioned by the investigating agencies over alleged corruption. Attorney General Avichai Mendelblit had earlier ordered probe over two separate corruption char

Jerusalem, Jan 3: Israeli police have interrogated Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over corruption allegations, a statement said. Attorney General Avichai Mendelblit had earlier ordered probe over two separate corruption charges against Netanyahu.

Mendelblit said the interrogation ended at around 23.00 (local time) on Monday, Xinhua news agency reported. It was the first time the Attorney and the police officially acknowledged that the probe was conducted.

Mendelblit said Netanyahu was interrogated over suspicions that he received 'benefits' from businessmen. He confirmed that Netanyahu was investigated as a suspect, with "a slew of allegations that the Prime Minister allegedly committed offences".

The investigation led to several other affairs, Mendelblit said. The probe had begun several months ago but in December the investigators found evidence that "changed the situation of the case", leading to Monday's questioning, he added.

Black screens were placed outside the Prime Minister's official residence on Monday to keep the media out.

Netanyahu's office rejected the allegations as "baseless". In a meeting of his Likud party ministers, he said investigations will not find anything, as there is nothing to hide.

Netanyahu is under criminal investigation over suspicion that he and his family received "favours", including gifts and money, from businessmen.

According to local media, Ron Lauder, an American billionaire, was linked with the case. Lauder was Netanyahu's close friend until their relation soured. Lauder was investigated by the police when he arrived in Israel for the funeral of the late President Shimon Peres in September.

Lauder then confirmed that he had given Netanyahu "various gifts and also financed a trip abroad for the Prime Minister's son Yair".

IANS