Explained: Why Israel’s PM Netanyahu has been indicted for corruption

Benjamin Netanyahu denied any wrongdoing and added that the timing of the announcement was noteworthy and sensitive and it “highlights how much this decision is tainted by extraneous considerations, aiming to bring down a right-wing Prime Minister".

The widely expected announcement, which was delayed due to national elections in April and September, has come after a four day hearing with the Prime Minister’s defence team, which took place in October.

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving Prime Minister, has become the first premier in Israeli history to be indicted for corruption while in office.