Israel: Netanyahu calls charges against him an "attempted coup"

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sharply criticized the corruption charges against him. These are an "attempted coup" against a head of government, he said on Thursday. He respects the judiciary, but one must "be blind not to see that something bad is going on in the police and in the prosecutor's office." The purpose of the investigation was to overthrow a right-wing government.

Netanyahu is due to go to court for corruption. The Justice Department said Thursday that Netanyahu should be charged with fraud, infidelity and bribery. This is the first time in Israel's history that an incumbent Prime Minister stands directly before an indictment.

Netanyahu said he wanted to continue serving as prime minister. He accused the competent authorities of dirty work in the investigation. He demanded an independent investigation of the investigation work.

Basically, the allegations against Netanyahu are the suspicion of influencing the media and accepting expensive gifts from friendly billionaires.

Israel is currently experiencing a political crisis, and after the election in September, Netanyahu and challenger Benny Gantz had failed to form a government.