Netanyahu says corruption claims are political attacks

Israeli police on Tuesday recommended charges of bribery and breach of trust against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In one case, investigators allege Netanyahu asked the publisher of an Israeli newspaper for positive news coverage in exchange for favors. A second case claims he improperly accepted gifts from supporters. Netanyahu on Tuesday accused police of a political witch hunt. He said investigators inflated reports of gifts and tried “to create a false impression of exchanges that never existed.” Reaction in Israel is largely split along party lines, with some political opponents calling on Netanyahu to step down while supporters stand by the prime minister.