Netanyahu steps down as communications minister amid abuse of office probe

[TomSea]

Netanyahu steps down as communications minister amid abuse of office probe
Israeli PM appoints temporary stand-in after police questioned him on claims he negotiated favourable coverage with a newspaper owner

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday he would shelve his additional role as communication minister after police questioned him over allegations he negotiated a deal for good coverage with a newspaper owner.

Police have questioned Netanyahu three times in two criminal cases in which he is suspected of abuse of office. If charges are brought, political upheaval would likely ensue with pressure on Netanyahu to step down. He denies any wrongdoing.

The first case involves gifts given to Netanyahu and his family by businessmen and the second is related to conversations he held with the publisher of Israel's largest selling newspaper, Yedioth Ahronoth.

Continued: http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/netanyahu-steps-down-communications-minister-amid-abuse-office-probe-2119415668