Benjamin Netanyahu is suspect in fraud, corruption case

Jerusalem: Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has been named as a suspect in two investigations into allegations of “fraud, breach of trust and bribes” with his former chief of staff signing a deal with prosecutors to testify against him. Israeli media reported that Mr Netanyahu’s ex-chief of staff has agreed to testify in the corruption cases against his former boss.

The reports, including by the Haaretz daily and others, say Ari Harrow reached a deal with the prosecutors on Friday. Israeli police had revealed on Thursday that Mr Netanyahu is suspected of crimes involving fraud, breach of trust and bribes. Police have been questioning Mr Netanyahu over allegations that he improperly accepted lavish gifts from wealthy supporters and separately held talks with the publisher of a major Israeli newspaper for positive coverage in exchange for diminishing the impact of a free pro-Netanyahu daily.

Details of the agreement between Mr Harow and the prosecution have been placed under a gag order by a court, with an Israeli official only confirming that a deal has indeed been sealed. Mr Netanyahu has denied any wrongdoing, dismissing the accusations as a witch hunt.