Netanyahu becomes the first Israeli prime minister to stand trial over corruption and fraud cases

The trial against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began in Jerusalem on Sunday, marking the first time in Israel’s history that a sitting prime minister has ever faced trial. 

Last year, Netanyahu was indicted on bribery, fraud, and breach of trust charges as part of three separate corruption cases.

The trial against Netanyahu was delayed by two months because of Israel’s coronavirus outbreak. He has repeatedly denied all accusations of wrongdoing and claims that he is a victim of a political “witch-hunt” orchestrated by the left and the media. 

The trial against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began in Jerusalem on Sunday, marking the first time in Israel’s history that a sitting prime minister has ever faced trial. 

The 70-year-old began his fifth term as prime minister this month as part of a power-sharing agreement with his rival Benny Gantz after a series of back-to-back elections failed to result in a coalition government over the past year. 

Netanyahu has refused to step down from power despite growing calls for his resignation and dwindling support from the Israeli public over his legal woes. 

Last year, Netanyahu was indicted on bribery, fraud, and breach of trust charges as part of three separate corruption cases:

“Case 1,000” refers to accusations that Netanyahu received expensive gifts from wealthy business magnates in exchange for favors. “Case 2,000” refers to allegations that Netanyahu promoted a particular newspaper in exchange for more positive coverage. And “Case 4,000” alleges that Netanyahu granted regulatory benefits to a major Israeli telecommunications company in exchange for favorable media coverage.

The maximum sentence for bribery is 10 years in prison, according to Haaretz.

Netanyahu is the first Israeli prime minister to be indicted while in office. Previous leaders who faced similar situations resigned before charges were even handed down. 

Source: Business Insider

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