Hours ago, Israel's state prosecutor announced that he intends to indict close associates of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a sweeping graft case related to a possible conflict of interest involving a $2 billion purchase of German submarines, media reports said.
The state prosecutor Shai Nitzan's office said in a statement that seven people would be charged with various offenses, among which is bribery, money laundering and fraud, pending a hearing.
Previously, PM Netanyahu was questioned in the submarine probe, known as "file 3000." But later on, some of his closest aides were involved. He has denied wrongdoing.
In recent weeks, Netanyahu was charged with bribery, fraud and breach of trust in three separate corruption cases in which he is accused of trading regulatory or legislative favors in exchange for lavish gifts and favorable news coverage.
The developments threaten the political future of Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving leader, as he is fighting to save his career following two inconclusive elections and the likelihood of an unprecedented third in one year.
On another hand, Jerusalem Post quoted Central Elections Committee director-general Orly Ades at a news conference in the Knesset on Thursday, that that the next election could be held is February 25 due to the challenges of running the election.
"By law, if the Knesset is dispersed automatically on Wednesday night when the deadline to form a government passes, the election would be held on Tuesday, March 10, which is Purim,"Ades said. She expected the Knesset to vote to change the date of the race, but that holding it on Purim was indeed possible.
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