Copyright: US State Dept.derivative work: TheCuriousGnome via Wikimedia Commons
In a statement that was broadcast live on Israeli TV, Prime Minister Netanyahu disclosed that during the investigations that are ongoing against him on charges of bribery he repeatedly demanded to confront his accusers who have been granted state witness status by the prosecution, so he can confront them with the truth”. According to Netanyahu, his demands were denied by the prosecutor’s office. In his appearance tonight, Netanyahu repeated his appeal for a confrontation, remarking further that he would not mind if it were done publicly, since “he is not afraid”. This extraordinary appearance underlines how seriously Mr. Netanyahu views the threat of an indictment just prior to the April 9th general election, while signaling to his friends and foes alike that he will not resign or step aside from the leadership of the Likud party without an ugly public fight.
Update: Israeli police responded that the investigations against the Prime Minister have always been done with full accordance with the law and there was no need to confront him with his accusers. Opposition parties dubbed Netanyahu’s speech as “electioneering”.
