Israel's Attorney General 'orders criminal investigation into Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu'

Allegations of bribery and fraud made against leader, according to reports

(AP)

Israel's Attorney General has ordered a criminal investigation into Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to a TV channel in the country.

Channel 10 claimed Mr Netanyahu would be summoned to give evidence following a nine month police inquiry into two unspecified matters.

Police have been investigating allegations of bribery and fraud against Mr Netanyahu, The Times of Israel reported.

The accusations, believed to relate to alleged donations, have been dismissed by a spokesperson for the Israeli leader as "nonsense".

Mr Netanyahu has also been accused of wrongdoing in the purchase of submarines from Germany, where media have reported a potential conflict of interest involving his lawyer. The Prime Minister has denied the allegations.

Police declined to confirm or deny the Channel 10 report.

“When the time comes we will update authoritatively the status of the investigation,” the special investigations unit said in a statement.

There was no immediate response from the Prime Minister's Office.