Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is currently being investigated on multiple charges of bribery and fraud, and recent Israeli media reports suggested that the legal noose was tightening.

Last week, police officials announced that Netanyahu’s former chief of staff Ari Harow had turned state’s witness, and would testify against the prime minister.

Currently, the most severe charge against Netanyahu is that he made an illicit deal with the publisher of Yediot Ahronot, Israel’s best-selling newspaper, to hinder its top rival, the free daily newspaper Israel Hayom, in exchange for more flattering coverage.

A Channel 10 survey revealed that 51 percent of Israelis believe Netanyahu is guilty, and that 66 percent expect him to resign immediately if indicted.

Minister of Environmental Protection Ze’ev Elkin (Likud) responded on Israel Radio, insisting that the public is lashing out at Netanyahu while only possessing one side of the story.

“Netanyahu cannot present his version of things. Everyone shows only the version that accuses him, so it is an unfair contest,” said Elkin. “The public’s attitude is not surprising, considering that for a few days all they heard in the media is that Netanyahu has already been convicted, so obviously this has an impact on the question of the public’s trust.”

http://www.israeltoday.co.il/NewsItem/tabid/178/nid/32129/Default.aspx