Under police probe, Israel's Netanyahu leaves helm of communications ministry


Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses a joint news conference with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington, U.S., February 15, 2017. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday he would shelve his additional role as communication minister after police questioned him over allegations he negotiated a deal for good press coverage with a newspaper owner.

Police have questioned Netanyahu three times in two criminal cases in which he is suspected of abuse of office. If charges are brought, political upheaval would likely ensue with pressure on Netanyahu, who denies any wrongdoing, to step down.

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