Officials close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lambasted the recent corruption allegations surrounding him as a frenzied political attack against the prime minister and his inner circle. They also said they were appalled at reports of abuse and humiliation of the suspects being held in police custody.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu declared, "The truth will prevail. I will continue to lead the country."
Netanyahu posted a video on Thursday in which he reassured the nation that business is continuing as usual.
The prime minister detailed his activities over the past week and ended with a riposte at those who have said he is unable to fulfill his duties under the current conditions.
"I've noticed something that doesn't function," he said, flipping on a light switch.
Earlier Thursday, Habayit Hayehudi leader Education Minister Naftali Bennett addressed the atmosphere of political speculation, making it clear that the dramatic developments in Case 4,000 will not prompt him to lend a hand to those trying to topple the government.
"To the best of my judgment, the prime minister is functioning properly, and we have a good national government that will continue to lead Israel," he said.
"As I have said before, moral issues are the discretion of the voter, and criminal matters will be decided by the legal system. We very much hope that the prime minister will emerge free of any [legal] proceedings, for his own good and for the benefit of Israel."
In an interview with Army Radio, Bennett said he would make a decision about his party's future in the coalition only if Netanyahu were to be indicted.
"Until then, there is no dilemma," he said.
Meanwhile, a police official said Thursday that Netanyahu's former media adviser, Nir Hefetz, "is not cooperating with the investigation and is maintaining his right to remain silent."
Hefetz is suspected of bribery and obstruction of justice in Case 4,000. Police see him as a potential key witness and, according to Hadashot evening news, are pressuring him to become a state's witness.
On Feb. 7, police recommended that Netanyahu be indicted for fraud, breach of trust, and bribery in Case 1,000, which centers on gifts Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, allegedly received from Israeli businessman Arnon Milchan and Australian billionaire James Packer. Investigators believe the gifts totaled hundreds of thousands of dollars, which could be in violation of Israeli law.
Netanyahu has also been named a suspect in another corruption case, dubbed Case 2,000. The investigation focuses on an illicit deal Netanyahu allegedly tried to strike with Yedioth Ahronoth publisher Noni Mozes, in which the newspaper would soften its aggressive anti-Netanyahu stance in return for the prime minister using his influence to promote legislation that would benefit Yedioth financially and curtail the operations of Israel Hayom, Yedioth's chief competitor.
Netanyahu has denied any wrongdoing in all the cases.
