On Monday, the substantive treatment of the corruption trial against Israeli outgoing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began. Prosecutors have accused Netanyahu of bribery, fraud and breach of trust in three separate cases.
Netanyahu is said to have given favors to media organizations in exchange for positive coverage of himself. He is also accused of accepting gifts from various individuals in exchange for favors.
Prosecutor Liat Ben-Ari stated in court that Netanyahu has abused his power for personal gain and granted media favors to aid him in the election. After her opening plea, Netanyahu left the courtroom. He did this before the first witnesses were heard.
On the same day that Netanyahu was due to appear in court again, President Reuven Rivlin began the formation process. He speaks to all party leaders to determine who can be the first to try to form a coalition. According to Rivlin, his decision could be influenced by the Netanyahu trial.
The 71-year-old politician denied all charges in February. The historic corruption process was subsequently halted due to the parliamentary elections in March.
Netanyahu’s party became the largest in the March 23 elections, but as yet does not have a majority in parliament with potential allies. If no coalition is possible, elections will be called again. Last month’s polls were the fourth in two years.
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