Israel: Jerusalem residents react to PM Netanyahu's 'BS' corruption charges

W/S People looking at newspapers, Jerusalem
M/S Newsagents
SOT, Joel Haeber: "I think it’s very sad for Israel that it’s come to this. I’m sad to hear that there is a good chance that Netanyahu has done criminal things, the sitting Prime Minister, and I think it’s a lot worse that he refuses to step down to face the charges. I think that there is no way that he can possibly serve as a Prime Minister with these charges against him and it’s time for him to step down and face the charges - whether he is innocent or guilty - whether it’s a witch hunt as he claims which I don’t believe but still it’s time for him to step down."
C/U Newspapers *CUTAWAY*
SOT, Zion Haroush: "I think everything is bullshit, liars, all the court and all the lawyers. It’s a game. He is clean like an angel and we are going to fight for him, if we need it."
M/S Man hands out newspapers
M/S Woman looking at paper
SOT, Daphna Poskansa: "It’s not about approving the charges or not approving the charges, it’s about respecting the law and what the law says. And just like any other citizen Mr Netanyahu should respect the law of the land that he so loves."
M/S Man hands out newspapers *CUTAWAY*
SOT, Ruth Cohen: "They (the charges) are ridiculous. They are ridiculous and Mandelblit (attorney general) is hated in Israel by everybody - by the left, by the right. They riot everyday just outside his house, nobody likes Mandelblit, he is over rich and what’s so ironic about this situation with Bibi (Netanyahu) that is so much reminds us so much of the situation with Trump where you have fake news and opposing politicians doing everything they can to spin a story that has got no legs."
W/S Man hands out newspapers *CUTAWAY*
SOT, Idor Mann: "First, I think it’s a very sad day for us that we let this thing go so far. It wasn’t a very big surprise that there were allegations. I think the severity of the allegations that were produced at the end were surprising for most of us. But I am happy that the justice system is working and that no one is portrayed as above the law. And I hope that everyone will realise it and that justice will be done at the end."
W/S Man hands out newspapers *CUTAWAY*
SOT, Zach Gerbe: "I think clearly he has done things that are against the law and he should be held accountable. I don’t doubt the credibility of the attorney general, like he is encouraging as of last night, more than ever. But I think the man does not need to be disgraced either and I think there is an attempt at that as well. So I think what should be done is that he be left to leave office in a way that doesn’t disgrace him beyond his offences, which I dont think are - he hasn’t killed anybody, he hasn’t harassed anybody."
W/S Man hands out newspapers
SCRIPT
Residents of Jerusalem reacted on Friday to the news of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicted with bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in connection with three separate cases.
Locals sharing their opinions were divided between believing the accusations against the prime minister and believing them to be "fake news." Most seemed to believe that he should be held accountable if the allegations are proved true.
"Just like any other citizen Mr Netanyahu should respect the law," said resident Daphna Poskansa, as Zach Gerbe agreed that he "should be held accountable."
"I think everything is bullshit, liars, all the court and all the lawyers. It’s a game. He is clean like an angel and we are going to fight for him, if we need it," a local countered in Bibi's support.
Ruth Cohen drew comparisons between the current situation and that with Trump, "where you have fake news and opposing politicians doing everything they can to spin a story," as Zion Haroush said he believed the situation to be "bullshit, its liars, all the court and all the lawyers, it’s a game. He is clean like an angel and we are going to fight for him if we need it."
Netanyahu is accused of accepting gifts from businessmen in exchange for favourable press coverage. The Israeli prime minister denies the charges and says they were part of a political 'witch-hunt' to remove him from power. He has insisted he will not resign and is not legally obliged to do so.