Israel’s attorney general decides to indict Netanyahu on corruption charges

Israel’s attorney general indicted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on corruption charges on Thursday, raising more uncertainty over who will ultimately lead a country mired in political chaos after two inconclusive elections this year.

Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit announced the decision in a statement. The charges included bribery, breach of trust and fraud. Mandelblit was set to issue a formal statement later Thursday.

Allegations against Netanyahu include suspicions he accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars of champagne and cigars from billionaire friends, offered to trade favors with a newspaper publisher and used his influence to help a wealthy telecom magnate in exchange for favorable coverage on a popular news site.

Netanyahu, who has denied wrongdoing in three corruption cases, is under no legal obligation to resign after being charged. He has called the allegations part of a witch hunt, lashing out against the media, police, prosecutors and the justice system.

The indictment does not require Netanyahu to resign but is expected to raise pressure on him to step down. He is due to make a statement at 2030 GMT.