Netanyahu slams police for corrupt conspiracy to topple him

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lashed out at the country's law enforcement system on Tuesday, continuing a crusade to discredit those who have pressed corruption cases against him ahead of the resumption of his trial early next year. Netanyahu's latest tirade came in response to a report by Channel 12 TV alleging that police covered up a conflict of interest involving one of its senior investigators who was looking into alleged crimes committed by Netanyahu and his wife Sara. Speaking at an event meant to be focused on Israel's struggling battle against the covid-19, Netanyahu was asked about the report and devoted a chunk of his time accusing the police of conspiring to oust him.

'Netanyahu said, the entire chain of command is involved: senior investigators, the chief of police, the state attorney and everything is sanctioned and authorized by the attorney general. 'This was not an investigation. This is a corrupt political conspiracy to topple a prime minister.

Netanyahu has repeatedly sought to disparage the police and prosecutors accusing them of being biased against him and seeking to force him out of office. Legal officials and experts say Netanyahu's attacks on an independent and reputable system have done lasting damage to Israel's democracy. The charges revolve around a series of scandals that accuse Netanyahu of trading favors with wealthy associates in exchange for gifts and palatable media coverage of himself and his family. Netanyahu's trial is set to resume in January, with evidentiary hearings to take place three times a week and sure to keep Netanyahu's alleged crimes firmly in the public conversation at a time when he faces widespread discontent over his handling of the coronavirus crisis.