Nearly Half of Israelis Believe Netanyahu is Corrupt: Poll

Almost half of Israeli voters believe that corruption allegations against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are true, according to a recent poll.

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The Reshet TV poll found that 49 percent of respondents believe the police reports; a quarter believe the prime minister, and the remaining 26 percent said they could not decide.

Police investigating two bribery cases involving Netanyahu on Tuesday recommended Israel’s attorney general charge him with bribery, fraud and breach of trust.

One case involves gifts worth more than US$100,000 from Hollywood mogul Arnon Milchan and other supporters. The other is related to conversations with Israeli newspaper publisher Yediot Aharonot offering to limit competition in exchange for favorable coverage.

Netanyahu denies any wrongdoing, but the scandals have had an impact on public opinion. Last year, tens of thousands of Israelis gathered in anti-corruption protests to demand accountability.   

Asked whether the prime minister should step down, 43 percent of the 495 people polled said yes. Israeli law, however, does not require a leader to step down following an indictment.