The right-wing government partners of Israel's right-wing conservative prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, stand by him despite his corruption charges.
"He is the Prime Minister of the State of Israel, and he is presumed innocent," said Defense Minister Naftali Bennett of the New Right just hours after the prosecution became aware. "In this stormy phase, we will continue to keep Israel safe, united and strong."
Netanyahu is due to go to court for corruption. The Justice Department said on Thursday night that Netanyahu should be charged with fraud, infidelity and bribery. It is the first time in Israel's history that an incumbent Prime Minister stands directly before an indictment.
Miki Sohar, group leader of Netanyahu's Likud Party, wrote on Twitter: "My right-wing friends, do not worry, you'll see that the people of Israel will not let the Prime Minister down. (...) I thank the Prime Minister for his firm attitude against all the bad and the lies. "
The ultra right-wing Transport Minister Bezalel Smotrich also wrote on Twitter: "His rivals, who are pleased with his misfortunes and deny him his merits and many good deeds, should be ashamed." Netanyahu is only their excuse for their fight to overthrow the right-wing government . "
Netanyahu himself said on Thursday evening, "We are witnessing an attempted coup against a head of government tonight through slander and dirty and biased investigations." He respects the judiciary, but one has to be "blind so as not to see something bad going on in the police and prosecutor's office." He demanded an investigation into the investigation against him.