Israel’s attorney general asks police to delay Netanyahu corruption probe

Israel’s attorney general has asked police to delay issuing their recommendations into two corruption allegations against prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu until the supreme court hears a petition against them.

Police were scheduled to present their long-awaited findings this week. However, officials said attorney general Avichai Mandelblit wants the court to first rule on the petition of a right-wing lawyer who is seeking a gagging order on details of the investigation.

One probe reportedly concerns allegations Mr Netanyahu improperly received lavish gifts from Hollywood and business figures.

Another regards secret talks with the publisher of a major Israeli newspaper in which Mr Netanyahu allegedly requested positive coverage in exchange for reining in a free pro-Netanyahu daily.

Mr Netanyahu denies wrongdoing and has dismissed the accusations as a witch hunt orchestrated by a hostile media.