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Israel's attorney general will announce at 19:30 local time on Thursday whether he plans to indict Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over corruption, the justice ministry said.

Avichai Mandelblit will speak to media on the subject of allegations against Netanyahu at the ministry in Jerusalem, a statement read without further details.

The embattled leader faces a range of graft allegations, from receiving gifts worth thousands of dollars as part of an alleged deal to change Israel's regulatory media framework in exchange for favourable coverage from one outlet.

Netanyahu, who has been in power since 2009, strongly denies all charges and claims he is the target of a witch hunt.

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It comes as Netanyahu fights for his political future with the prospect of a third election in less than twelve months on the horizon.

Neither he, nor his centrist rival Benny Gantz, have been able to form a governing coalition after September polls left them nearly neck and neck.

The corruption allegations, which have been under investigation for several years, are widely seen as a crucial issue for his political future.

An indictment might permanently damage Netanyahu's political career, whereas a reprieve could give him a new lease of life.

Whilst criminal charges would not force Netanyahu to resign, they may amplify calls for him to step down.



Agencies contributed to this report.

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