Israeli PM Netanyahu defiant after corruption indictment

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected all allegations of fraud on Thursday, pledging to remain the head of state in Israel despite being charged with a series of charges of corruption.

Hours after being charged with corruption, fraud and breach of trust by the Attorney General, Netanyahu denounced the allegations and called them "false" and "politically motivated," reports Al Jazeera.

"What is going on here is an attempt to stage a coup against the prime minister," Netanyahu said. "The object of the investigations was to oust the right-wing from government."

Earlier on Thursday, Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit announced the indictment, calling it a "heavy-hearted decision" based on sound legal evidence only.

However, Netanyahu said the investigators "weren't after the truth, they were after me".

Netanyahu railed against his political rivals and government institutions in a 15-minute speech, accusing police and judiciary of bias.

He vowed to continue on as prime minister despite potential court dates and intense political pressure.

"I will continue to lead this country, according to the letter of the law," he said. "I will not allow lies to win."

What are the charges?

In February, Mandelblit announced his intention to bring charges of fraud, breach of trust, and corruption against Netanyahu, following up on recommendations from the police.

The investigations were listed as Cases 4,000, 1,000, and 2,000.

The allegations range from receiving gifts worth thousands of dollars to an agreement to change regulatory frameworks in favor of a media group in exchange for favorable press coverage.

Case 1,000 alleges that Netanyahu and his wife have unfairly received gifts in return for political favours from Arnon Milchan, a Hollywood producer and Israeli citizen, as well as from Australian billionaire James Packer. The gifts included champagne and cigars, according to reports.

In Case 2,000, Netanyahu is suspected of having reached an agreement with Israeli daily newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth's owner to receive favorable media coverage in return for legislation that would slow the growth of competing Israel Hayom newspaper.

Of Netanyahu's investigations, Case 4,000 is considered the most serious.

He is rumored to have lobbied with Israeli telecommunications company Bezeq's controlling shareholder, Shaul Elovitch, for positive coverage on his Walla! News website in exchange for policies benefitting Bezeq.