UK lawyer Anthony Julius, who represented Princess Diana, is advising Netanyahu

A leading British lawyer has emerged as a leading adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he faces a welter of corruption charges.

Anthony Julius, the deputy chairman of Mishcon de Reya, made his name representing Princess Diana in her divorce from Prince Charles, and for defending historian Deborah Lipstadt in a libel suit brought by Holocaust denier David Irving.

Citing sources in several countries, the Times of Israel said Julius has been providing legal advice to Netanyahu, who is facing charges of fraud, breach of trust and bribery.

Another famous Jewish criminal lawyer, Professor Alan Dershowitz, argued in a legal paper submitted earlier this month that investigating Netanyahu’s efforts to sway legal coverage as a criminal offence was itself a danger to democracy.

Netanyahu is alleged to have offered to help facilitate the lucrative sale of a newspaper to foreign associates in return for the newspaper printing favourable coverage about him while attacking his rivals. He denies any wrongdoing.

Julius, a specialist in criminal, defamation and media law, is understood to be advising Netanyahu on charges relating to the PMs conversations with publishers. Last weekend, Israel’s Channel 13 broadcast some recorded phone calls.

Other charges – all denied – relate to accusations that Netanyahu received gifts and benefits from billionaire benefactors. Attorney-General Avichai Mandelblit is expected to make a decision on charges in mid-December.