Intel: Why Netanyahu faces real legal danger this time
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s political luck may finally be running out after the Israeli police recommended his indictment on bribery charges.
Why it matters: The Israeli police have twice previously recommended indicting the prime minister, so far to no avail. The latest charges, however, offer the most solid and direct case against Netanyahu and have the most potential to spark political change in Israel. The Israeli leader is accused of approving mergers and friendly regulations for telecommunications mogul Shaul Elovitch in exchange for positive coverage in Elovitch's Walla! news site when Netanyahu served as communications minister.
180 million questions: Investigators estimate the value of Netanyahu’s alleged favorable treatment for Elovitch’s business interests at about $180 million. Police say their latest recommendation is backed by solid evidence including tapes and text messages. Netanyahu is also suspected of attempting to disrupt legal proceedings. This is also the first recommendation that connects the prime minister’s wife, Sara Netanyahu, to a felony bribery offense. Previously she had only been charged with misdemeanors.
What’s next: Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit is expect to announce his decision on whether to accept the recommendations at some point in 2019. If he proceeds with an indictment, it will be almost impossible for Netanyahu to remain in office even if he wins re-election next year. Already, the cloud of suspicion is making it more difficult for Netanyahu’s coalition government, which only has a one-seat majority in the Knesset, to remain intact.
