Israeli police to question Netanyahu for twelfth time in corruption probe

Israeli police are questioning Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a 12th time as part of their investigations into corruption allegations, local media have reported.

Investigators arrived Friday at Netanyahu's official residence in Jerusalem as protesters gathered outside with a large banner bearing Netanyahu's face and the words "crime minister" and chanting slogans calling for justice.

Media reported that Netanyahu is to be questioned concerning two corruptions cases in which police have already recommended indictments.

One involves allegedly taking gifts from billionaires, and the second involves trading positive media coverage for legislation to weaken a free daily newspaper.

Israeli police had no immediate comment.

Netanyahu was last questioned by police in August concerning a corruption case involving Israel's telecom giant.

The prime minister has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, dismissing the accusations as a media "witch hunt".

Asher Ben-David, a protester outside Netanyahu's residence, told the Associated Press: "This is of course unthinkable that a prime minister continues to stay in post for such a long time under interrogation. He must resign immediately, especially so in Israel where every day a prime minister must make crucial decisions."

Last month, Netanyahu was quizzed as a witness in a probe of alleged corruption over the state purchase of three German submarines.

He is not considered a suspect in that case, but some of his close associates have been questioned several times.

In a separate case, his wife Sara was charged in June with misusing state funds to buy catered meals costing $100,000 (85,000 euros) by falsely declaring there were no cooks available at the premier's official residence.

Her trial is to open at the Jerusalem magistrates court on 7 October.

Follow us on Twitter: @The_NewArab