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Decision on Netanyahu prosecution due Sunday
April 18, 1997
Latest developments:
Web posted at: 1:08 p.m. EDT (1708 GMT)Prosecutors have 'enough proof' to finish investigation Related stories and sites JERUSALEM (CNN) -- Israel's chief prosecutor said Friday she's decided whether to bring corruption charges against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu but the findings will not be announced until Sunday night.
Meanwhile, a majority of Israelis believe Netanyahu must resign if charged or convicted in the scandal, newspaper opinion polls showed.
The 47-year-old leader, elected 11 months ago by less than a percentage point, has rejected calls he resign while prosecutors weighed police recommendations he be indicted in an influence-peddling scheme.
Netanyahu went about business as usual on Friday, speaking at former president Chaim Herzog's funeral and scheduling meetings with both U.S. envoy Dennis Ross and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Viktor Posuvalyuk on Middle East peace moves.
Prosecutors have 'enough proof' to finish investigation
"The prosecutor's office has enough proof to reach a conclusion and we do not need any more investigation," chief Israeli prosecutor Edna Arbel said. The grounds for her decision will be passed on to Israel's new attorney general, Eliakim Rubinstein, for approval.
Arbel said there were "different opinions, but no real divergences" in her office on police recommendations that Netanyahu be indicted for fraud and breach of trust.
The police investigation was launched by a television report alleging that Aryeh Deri, a Netanyahu political ally on trial for corruption, pushed for the naming of Likud activist Roni Bar-On as attorney general in hopes of winning a plea bargain.
Bar-On resigned hours after his appointment in January amid public outcry that he was not fit for the job.
Investigators who urged Netanyahu be indicted also recommended legal action against Deri, Justice Minister Tzahi Hanegbi and Netanyahu's chief of staff Avigdor Lieberman.
Related stories:
- Netanyahu says he won't quit amid Israeli corruption scandal - April 17, 1997
- Police report is 'political earthquake' for Netanyahu - April 16, 1997
- Netanyahu attorney: Police recommend his indictment - April 16, 1997
Related sites:
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- Police: Indict Netanyahu - Jerusalem Post / April 17, 1997
- Police recommend indicting Netanyahu in Bar-On Affair - Jewish Telegraphic Agency / April 17, 1997
- Benjamin Netanyahu - Likud Party site
- The Knesset - Israel's parliament
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