Benjamin Netanyahu has been questioned by police for the fifth time as part of ongoing corruption investigations, which may take a toll both on his own standing and that of his party, The Guardian reported.
In the first investigation, Netanyahu is suspected of accepting expensive gifts from wealthy supporters, in the form of cigars, champagne and jewelry in return for advancing their interests.
The list of benefactors includes the Hollywood producer and international movie mogul Arnon Milchan who media claim might have benefitted from
Netanyahu’s assistance in obtaining a US visa, advancing a free-trade zone adjacent to the Jordanian border or by receiving shares of a local television news channel.
The second investigation looks into allegations that Netanyahu arranged to obtain favorable coverage from the popular broadsheet Yedioth Ahronoth in return for creating problems for its rival, the Israel Hayum paper.
Netanyahu strongly denies any wrongdoing and says he is the victim of a smear campaign by political opponents.
Earlier this week, two of Netanyahu’s closest advisers were questioned in a third case, dubbed “Case 3000” over their role in a two-billion euro
READ MORE: Netanyahu Confidant Yitzhak Molcho Interrogated in Submarine Corruption Probe
The case, dubbed “Case 3000” by police, was based around the two-billion euro deal to purchase three submarines and four patrol boats, intended to protect Israel’s offshore natural gas platforms.
However, unlike the other two cases, Netanyahu has not yet been interrogated as a suspect.
Meanwhile, a recent poll showed that a majority of Israelis want Netanyahu to resign when his current term ends and only 38 percent believe he should stay in power for another term.