Israel begins Netanyahu’s pre-indictment corruption hearing

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s long-awaited pre-indictment hearing on corruption charges began Wednesday in Jerusalem, as a jittery political world erly sought clarity on his legal standing amid stalemate that followed country’s second inconclusive election of year. Netanyahu is currently struggling to prolong his lengthy rule by building a unity government with his primary opponents, centrist Blue and White party, who refuse to partner with him because of serious crimes of which he is suspected.

Re: Israel Quietly Lets In Gaza Workers In Bid To Ease Tensions

Isreali A-G recommends charging Netanyahu

Israel’s attorney general has recommended charging Netanyahu with bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in three separate cases. Netanyahu has denied wrongdoing, calling m part of a media-orchestrated witch hunt. allegations against him include suspicions that he accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars of champagne and cigars from billionaire friends, offered a critical publisher legislation that would weaken his paper’s main rival in return for softer treatment and allegedly used his influence to help a wealthy telecom magnate in exchange for favourable cover on a popular news site.

Netanyahu has long promised he’d clear his name in hearing. A team of his lawyers arrived at Justice Ministry in Jerusalem to argue that all charges should be dropped. “We are going to present t only evidence everyone is aware of but also new evidence. We are sure that once we present our findings re will be choice but to close case,” Netanyahu attorney Amit Hd said, upon entering hearing. “We believe and kw that at end of day all three cases must be closed.”

sessions are expected to extend over four days. It could take several weeks for attorney general to render his final decision. However, legal experts say likelihood of an indictment is very high given mountains of evidence collected by police over years of investigations and prosecution’s seeming consensus of pursuing a trial.

Re: Netanyahu, Gantz Tre Blame Over Breakdown In Israel Coalition Talks

Re: Israel, US Urge EU Members To Take Action Against Boycott Movement

Netanyahu won't be required to step down but will be pressured to do so

Although Netanyahu would t be required to step down if charged, he will face heavy pressure to do so. Alrey, he hasn’t been able to muster required 61-seat majority in parliament to build a coalition government and faces stiff resistance from those he will need to back him. President Reuven Rivlin selected Netanyahu last week as candidate with best chance of forming a government. That move came after Rivlin failed to broker a unity government between Netanyahu and Blue and White leer Benny Gantz in recent days.

A unity government appears to be preferred option for both sides, but y remain far apart on who should le it first and what such a constellation would look like. Netanyahu and Gantz were slated to meet again Wednesday before Gantz abruptly cancelled, signalling likely breakdown of talks.

In such a case, Netanyahu will probably inform president he cant form a government. Rivlin will n likely offer a chance to Gantz, who faces equally long odds of doing so. If he too doesn’t succeed, Rivlin can select ar legislator or he can set in motion what would be unprecedented third elections. According to final official results from Sept. 17 elections, Blue and White finished first with 33 seats in 120-seat parliament, just ahe of Netanyahu’s Likud with 32 seats. Netanyahu edged Gantz, however, 55-54 in number of lawmakers who recommend him as prime minister, leaving both short of magic number of 61.

Re: Gandhi's 80-year-old Letter Wishing Jews Gets Unveiled In Israel

Re: Israel: As Attack Drones Multiply, Firms Develop ir Defenses