Published 11:18 IST, October 8th 2019
Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu's pre-indictment hearing concludes
The court hearing of the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu concluded on October 9, as reported by his lawyers. It was a four-day hearing
- World News
- 2 min read
The court hearing of the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu concluded on October 9, as reported by his lawyers. It was a four-day hearing where the Israeli Prime Minister was charged with allegations of corruption. Netanyahu's lawyer Yossi Ashkenazy said that all the arguments were logically presented which must lay a confirmation that all the prevailing allegations must be annulled. He added, "We presented all our arguments which must, logically, confirm that all the indictments must be annulled,"
Final chance to persuade the Attorney General
The hearing was attended by the lawyers of Netanyahu, however, the Israel PM did not attend the closed-door hearing himself. The lawyers, however, got the final chance to persuade the Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit that the Prime Minister should be freed of the allegations of corruption. The meeting involved three separate cases in which Netanyahu is accused of following up for wealthy supporters and businessmen in return for endowments and biased news coverage.
Netanyahu has denied the claims against him
Also, Netanyahu has denied the claims against him. In his statement, he called the corruption allegations against him a kind of “witch-hunt”. He accused his rivals of wanting to constrain him from the office. Moreover, Benjamin Netanyahu asked the international media to broadcast the court hearing live, as he said he has ‘nothing to hide’. On the other hand, the Attorney General Mandelblit rejected the solicitation beyond all doubt, saying the hearing was to persuade the legal authorities and not the public. There are still considerations from the attorney general's side whether to issue indictments, the same is expected to stretch for a week. As per law, the Prime Minister is not required to resign from the post, even if the indictment is passed. The situation will arise only if he is convicted with all the appeals exhausted, as reported by media.
Updated 13:15 IST, October 8th 2019