Investigators arrived on Friday at Netanyahu's official residence in Jerusalem as protesters gathered outside with a large banner bearing his face and the words "crime minister" and chanting slogans calling for justice.

Media reported that Netanyahu is to be questioned concerning two corruption cases in which police have already recommended indictments.

One involves allegedly taking gifts from billionaires, and the second involves trading positive media coverage for legislation to weaken a free daily newspaper.

Police had no immediate comment.

Netanyahu was last questioned by police in August concerning a corruption case involving Israel's telecom giant.

The prime minister has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, dismissing the accusations as a media "witch hunt".

Australian Associated Press