Israeli police are questioning Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over corruption allegations, local media reported after police cars arrived at his residence Monday.
The police team did not speak to journalists, but Israeli media said they are looking into suspicions that Netanyahu inappropriately accepted expensive gifts from two businessmen.
The reports said the initial questioning, which began Monday evening, could last several hours.
A black screen was earlier placed in front of the building in apparent anticipation of the investigators' arrival and to obstruct the view of journalists seeking to film them.
Netanyahu has denied what he calls “baseless” reports that he received inappropriate gifts, a point he reiterated at a meeting of his Likud faction earlier in the day.
“We've been paying attention to reports in the media, we are hearing the celebratory mood and the atmosphere in the television studios and the corridors of the opposition, and I would like to tell them, stop with the celebrations, don't rush,” he said.
“There won't be anything because there is nothing.” Israel's Channel 2 TV has reported that Netanyahu accepted “favours” from businessmen in Israel and abroad, and that he is the central suspect in a second investigation that also involves family members.
The Haaretz daily said that billionaire Ronald Lauder, a longtime friend of Netanyahu's, was linked to the affair. Channel 10 TV has reported that Netanyahu's oldest son, Yair, accepted free trips and other gifts from Australian billionaire James Packer.
In October, Lauder was summoned by police for questioning “related to a certain investigation conducted by them and in which Lauder is not its subject matter,” said Helena Beilin, Lauder's Israeli attorney.
“After a short meeting, he was told that his presence is no longer required and that there shall be no further need for additional meetings.”
Israel's Justice Ministry and police have declined to comment on the media reports.
A campaign is underway by Erel Margalit, an opposition lawmaker of the Zionist Union party, for Netanyahu to be formally investigated over suspicions of prominent donors improperly transferring money for Netanyahu's personal use, as well as reports that Netanyahu's personal attorney represented a German firm involved in a $1.5 billion sale of submarines to Israel.
