Israel's Netanyahu 'wouldn't have to resign' if indicted on corruption charges

Israel's Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu could remain in charge of the country even if he is indicted on corruption charges, his justice minister said on Saturday.

Israeli police suspect Netanyahu, prime minister since 2009, of being involved in bribery, fraud and breach of trust in two cases.

On Friday, Netanyahu's former chief of staff and long-time confidante Ari Harow agreed to turn state witness and testify against his former mentor, raising speculation about a forthcoming indictment.

Harow reportedly gave investigators information regarding allegations that the premier unlawfully received gifts from wealthy supporters and sought a secret deal with top-selling daily Yediot Aharonot to scale down operations of rival publisher Israel Hayom.

Israel's Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked, a member of the far-right Jewish Home party, told Channel 2 TV on Saturday that even if Netanyahu is indicted he is not compelled to resign.

The most high-profile official to comment on the corruption charges, Shaked said that government ministers would have to but not necessarily prime ministers.

She added that coalition partners would discuss the ethical ramifications of such a development but that it was still premature.

Netanyahu has denied wrongdoing, calling the allegations a witch hunt.

The 67-year-old, who served a first term as prime minister in the years 1996 to 1999, has been repeatedly dogged by corruption allegations throughout his career.