New Investigations of Israeli Prime Minister Green-lighted by A-G

Once again an Israeli prime minister is facing criminal corruption investigations that could spell the end of his political career and downfall of his government. The attorney general has green-lighted two police investigations into the behavior of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, but the nature of only one — for “systematically” receiving gifts from wealthy businessmen – has been revealed to the public. What is known is that a number of figures close to Netanyahu have been interviewed and at least one, billionaire Ron Lauder, has admitted to investigators that he has given numerous gifts to Netanyahu and his family. Prosecutors reportedly believe Netanyahu will be unable to demonstrate reciprocity between the PM and his benefactors. Local media are reporting that the second Netanyahu investigation is far larger in scope and value, but details have not been made public. All that is known is that it also involves a well-known figure known to be close to the prime minister. Netanyahu’s predecessor, Ehud Olmert, is currently serving a prison sentence for crimes very closely akin to those being investigated in relation to the incumbent.