Thursday , November 7 2024

Netanyahu opposes early polls as graft probes intensify

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Jerusalem, Undefined | AFP | Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he opposes early elections, as corruption probes linked to him intensify speculation over his future.

Israeli media have raised the possibility of a June poll, with graft investigations potentially weakening the premier’s ability to hold together his right-wing coalition.

“There is no reason for that to happen if there is good will,” Netanyahu said before departing for a visit to the United States late Saturday.

“For me, there is good will. I hope that the other (coalition) partners also have it.”

Netanyahu will meet US President Donald Trump on Monday at the White House and is set to address pro-Israel lobbying group AIPAC on Tuesday.

Israeli police recommended Netanyahu’s indictment in two corruption cases last month and investigations are continuing in others.

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He and his wife Sara were questioned by police on Friday in a third case of alleged graft.

At the same time, there are signs that a split is emerging within his coalition that threatens to pull the government apart.

Ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties want a law passed to allow religious students to continue to be exempted from military conscription.

Other members of the coalition oppose such a law, but the ultra-Orthodox have threatened to block a 2019 budget that Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon wants to see approved this month.

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