Netanyahu calls criminal indictment 'an attempted coup'
EDITOR'S NOTE: THIS VERSION UPDATES WITH VIDEO OF NETANYAHU CALLING THE INDICTMENT A 'COUP,' AND UPDATES THE HEADLINE TO REFLECT HIS STATEMENT.
The corruption allegations facing Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have now resulted in indictments against him.
The attorney general made the announcement on Thursday, raising more uncertainty over who will ultimately lead a country whose politics were already in chaos.
Here was Netanyahu's reaction.
(SOUNDBITE) (Hebrew) ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU, SAYING:
"Tonight we are witnessing an attempted coup against a serving prime minister, based on fabrications and a tainted, biased investigative process."
The prime minister is accused of wrongfully accepting $264,000 in gifts from business tycoons and giving favors in return for favorable media coverage.
He could face up to 10 years in prison.
(SOUNDBITE) (Hebrew) ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU, SAYING:
"I will not let the lie triumph. I will continue to lead the country, according to the letter of the law, with responsibility, devotion and concern for the security and future of us all."
He's under no legal obligation to resign at this point, and he's always denied any wrongdoing.
But it comes as the country is already facing the prospect of its third election in less than year.
Because Netanyahu wasn't able to form a coalition government, and then his main rival Benny Gantz, also failed to do so.
Israelis already weary of political paralysis. Unsurprisingly, some are asking what's supposed to have changed by then.
