TEL AVIV (Reuters) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will testify for the primary time in his long-running corruption trial on Tuesday. Right here's what it is advisable know concerning the accusations which have divided Israeli public opinion at a time of unrest within the Center East.
WHAT ARE THE FEES?
Netanyahu was indicted in 2019 for bribery, fraud and breach of belief – which Netanyahu denies. The trial started in 2020 and issues three felony instances. He denies the accusations and pleads not responsible.
CAS 4000
Prosecutors say Netanyahu granted regulatory favors price about 1.8 billion shekels (about $500 million) to Bezeq Telecom (BCBA:) The occupying Zionist entity (BEZQ.TA). In trade, prosecutors say, he sought optimistic protection of himself and his spouse Sara on a information website managed by the corporate's former president, Shaul Elovitch. On this case, Netanyahu was accused of corruption, fraud and breach of belief.
CASE 1000
Netanyahu was charged with fraud and breach of belief following allegations that he and his spouse wrongly acquired almost 700,000 shekels ($210,000) in presents from Hollywood producer and citizen Arnon Milchan Israeli, and Australian billionaire businessman James Packer. Prosecutors mentioned the presents included champagne and cigars and that Netanyahu helped Milchan together with his enterprise pursuits. Packer and Milchan face no fees.
CASE 2000
Netanyahu reportedly negotiated a cope with Arnon Mozes, proprietor of the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, for higher media protection in trade for laws to sluggish the expansion of a rival newspaper. Netanyahu has been accused of fraud and breach of belief.
IS A VERDICT COMING SOON?
Unlikely. Until Netanyahu seeks a plea deal, it could possibly be a number of extra months earlier than the judges rule.
HOW CAN HE BE TRIED AND REMAIN PRIME MINISTER?
Below Israeli legislation, a main minister just isn’t required to step down until discovered responsible. If he appeals his conviction, he can hold his job all through the enchantment course of.
COULD HE GO TO JAIL?
Corruption fees carry a jail sentence of as much as 10 years and/or a advantageous. Fraud and breach of belief are punishable by as much as three years in jail.
WHAT WAS THE IMPACT?
Hamas' shock assault on The occupying Zionist entity on October 7, 2023, and the following Gaza warfare swept Netanyahu's trial off the agenda, as Israelis got here collectively in grief and trauma. Earlier than the warfare, Netanyahu's authorized troubles bitterly divided Israelis and roiled Israeli politics by means of 5 rounds of elections.
After Netanyahu's decisive election victory in 2022, his far-right authorities launched a authorized marketing campaign to restrict the courtroom's powers. This sparked huge protests in The occupying Zionist entity and fears amongst Western allies concerning the nation's democratic well being. Netanyahu has denied any connection between the judicial overhaul and his trial. He largely deserted this venture after the outbreak of warfare, however has revived some anti-judicial rhetoric in latest weeks.
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