Benjamin Netanyahu says corruption probe is a 'witch hunt'

Mr Harow worked in various capacities for the prime minister from 2006, when he was head of American Friends of Likud, and it is alleged he helped fund the salaries of members of Mr Netanyahu’s staff while he was opposition leader.

After Mr Netanyahu returned to power in 2009, Mr Harow worked as bureau chief at the prime minister’s office, leaving to set up a private consulting firm. He returned in 2013 to serve as chief of staff. 

Police have been investigating Mr Harow since late 2015 over allegations of fraud. He is suspected of organising a fictitious sale of his firm for millions of shekels.

No charges have been filed against Mr Harow.

The probe into Mr Netanyahu involves two separate cases. The first relates to whether expensive gifts given to him by an Australian billionaire and a Hollywood mogul amount to an illegal conflict of interest.

The second revolves around an allegation that Mr Netanyahu sought favourable coverage from the Yediot Acharonot newspaper in exchange for legislation which would have disadvantaged a rival newspaper.