Netanyahu denies wrongdoing before questioning in graft probe

OCCUPIED JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denied any wrongdoing on Monday ahead of his expected questioning by police in a graft probe, telling his political opponents to put any “celebrations” on hold.

Police were expected to question Netanyahu later on Monday over whether he illegally accepted gifts from wealthy supporters, media reports said, in a probe shaking the country’s political scene.

The long-running inquiry has looked into whether Israeli and foreign businessmen have offered gifts worth tens of thousands of dollars as well as another unspecified issue, according to the reports.

Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit has reportedly decided to upgrade the inquiry to a criminal probe, although he has yet to confirm this.

Public radio said Netanyahu has agreed to be questioned at his residence, with some reports saying it would be at 7:00pm. Police refused to comment.

Screens were mounted at the entrance to the compound in central Jerusalem in an apparent bid to shield the investigators’ arrival.

“We hear all the media reports. We see and hear the festive spirit and atmosphere in television studios and in the corridors of the opposition,” Netanyahu told lawmakers from his Likud Party on Monday, according to a video posted to his Facebook page.

“I want to tell them to wait for the celebrations. Do not rush. I told you and I repeat: There will be nothing because there is nothing. You will continue to inflate hot air balloons and we will continue to lead the state of Israel.”

 Police have carried out the inquiry in secret over the course of some eight months and recently arrived at an important breakthrough, reports said. Some 50 witnesses are said to have been questioned.

In July, Mandelblit said he had ordered a preliminary examination into an unspecified affair involving Netanyahu, with no details given.

US billionaire and World Jewish Congress President Ronald Lauder has been among those questioned in the probe over gifts he allegedly gave Netanyahu and alleged spending on trips for him, Israeli media reported.