According to Channel 2, the case is not linked to a concurrent investigation against Netanyahu's former parliamentary adviser Perach Lerner, on allegations of graft. At the center of the new inquiry lies the illegal transfer of substantial sums of cash from foreign businesspeople to accounts belonging to either Netanyahu or his family members.
Investigators have not yet traveled abroad to conduct financial and legal examinations, and no suspects have been interrogated.
The pre-investigation check has been going on for several weeks, Channel 2 reported, adding that this could add up to be the biggest corruption case against Netanyahu to date. Some Israeli politicians believe that If the task team finds enough evidence to file criminal charges, the case could result in the prime minister's resignation and prosecution, quickly resulting in a skirmish for leadership of the unpopular Likud party.
Netanyahu has dismissed the allegations as "nonsense."
"It is a seasonal ritual," said the prime minister, who is currently on a four-nation tour in Africa, to the Reshet Bet radio station. "Every time I make a historic visit abroad, there are new investigations."
Police are also investigating Netanyahu for financial corruption related to illicit funding for foreign travel, inappropriately using public state funds for food and entertainment, and illegally receiving cash for political campaigning.
