The substantive treatment of the corruption trial against Israeli outgoing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Monday.
In the meantime, work is being done elsewhere in Jerusalem on the formation of a new cabinet.
Prosecutors have accused Netanyahu of bribery, fraud and breach of trust in three separate cases. He is said to have given favours to media organizations in exchange for positive reporting about himself. Netanyahu has also been accused of accepting gifts from various individuals in exchange for favours.
The 71-year-old politician denied all charges against him in February. The historic corruption process was then temporarily halted due to the parliamentary elections in March. Never before has a sitting prime minister in Israel been prosecuted for corruption.
Prosecutor Liat Ben-Ari stated in court that Netanyahu had abused his power for personal gain and granted favours to the media to assist him in the election. After her opening speech, Netanyahu left before the first witnesses were heard.
On the same day, Netanyahu was due to appear in court again, and 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 corruption lawsuit against Netanyahu.
Netanyahu’s party became the largest in the March 23 elections, but it 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.
