Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations has addressed the corruption allegations surrounding Benjamin Netanyahu — and has not ruled out running for Prime Minister himself.

Speaking to the JC, former Likud Minister Danny Danon, who has served as Israel’s envoy to the UN since 2015, initially downplayed his political intentions “because I serve as a diplomat” but, asked whether he would rule out running for the premier position, responded: “I didn’t say that I will not [run for Prime Minister]”.

Addressing allegations of corruption surrounding Mr Netanyahu — who served as Israel’s Ambassador to the UN from 1984-1988 — Mr Danon said: “The Prime Minister is not above the law. But at the same time, he has the same rights of every other citizen. If someone is being accused in Israel, you don’t expect him to say ‘okay, I’m guilty’. No, you have a process.”

He added: “I understand why it is taking them so much time. When it comes to the Prime Minister, you want to be sure that you reach the proper decisions because you know what can happen if they decide to indict and then it will be proven wrong.”

Mr Danon went on to pay tribute to Nikki Haley, who resigned as US Ambassador to the UN this week.

Mr Danon admitted that the timing of the announcement came as a “surprise” but added: “I think no matter who will come, we know we will have the support of the US… I’m sure the new ambassador will continue to veto anti-Israel resolutions.”

On the British opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn, Mr Danon said: “When someone speaks that way against Israel, when someone affiliates himself with terrorists, you cannot deny the antisemitic background and the antisemitic activities. His attending a ceremony for terrorists that killed dozens of innocent Israelis, that is something we cannot accept.”