Netanyahu questioned again over improper gifts allegation

Police have questioned Israel‘s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a second time over allegations that he improperly accepted gifts from wealthy supporters.

Investigators went to Mr Netanyahu’s official residence in Jerusalem in a case that local media say arose from allegations involving high-profile figures in international business and Hollywood.

Mr Netanyahu has adamantly denied wrongdoing.

He was questioned for five hours on Thursday about suspicions that he “allegedly received benefits” as well as about another undisclosed affair. His questioning on Monday lasted more than three hours.

Few details of the allegations against Mr Netanyahu have been officially released, with Israel‘s Justice Ministry revealing only that the prime minister was being questioned “on suspicion of receiving benefits from business people.”

But Israeli media have reported that he accepted “favours” from businessmen in Israeland abroad, allegedly including billionaire Ronald Lauder and Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan. Israeli Channel 2 TV has said Mr Netanyahu is the central suspect in a second investigation that also involves family members.

He has repeatedly denied wrongdoing, portraying the accusations as a witch hunt against him and his family by a hostile media opposed to his hard-line political views.

Serving his third consecutive term with a stable coalition government, Mr Netanyahu is on track to become Israel‘s longest-serving leader, should he complete his full term in office in 2019.