Netanyahu wrote on his Facebook page that he had informed Parliament President Juli Edelstein of this. The 70-year-old accused his political opponents of a “dirty game” and stressed that he would refute all allegations of corruption. After the indictment has been received, it can now be expected that Netanyahu will soon face a corruption process due to fraud and infidelity as well as bribery. It was initially unclear whether the process meetings could begin before the March 2 election. Despite the indictment, Netanyahu is seeking re-election as prime minister.
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The allegations against Netanyahu are about suspicion of influencing the media, allegedly crooked deals with companies and luxury gifts from friends of business in return for political favors. If convicted of bribery, Netanyahu faces up to ten years in prison. If convicted of fraud and infidelity, the maximum sentence would be three years in prison.
Netanyahu on a “historic mission” in the United States
Originally, a session on the heads of government’s immunity application was due to begin in Parliament on Tuesday. A vote was planned to set up a Knesset committee to decide on the immunity of the 70-year-old. The prospect of immunity was considered very bad. By revoking his application, Netanyahu got ahead of this decision the morning before.
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“At this fateful hour for the Israeli people, while I am on a historic mission in the United States to set Israel ‘s permanent borders and ensure Israel’ s security for generations to come, another circus performance should begin in the Knesset to help me Depriving immunity, “wrote Netanyahu. US President Donald Trump later wanted the basics in a joint press conference with Israel’s head of government of his long-awaited Middle East plan.
Netanyahu’s challenger Benny Gantz of the Mitte-Blau-Weiß alliance said after his decision: “Nobody can rule a country and at the same time deal with serious criminal cases in three cases for bribery, fraud and infidelity.” Gantz said, “Netanyahu is going to court. We have to get ahead.” Israeli citizens now have a choice between a head of government who works for them and a head of government who deals with themselves.
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In Israel, a transitional cabinet with Netanyahu has headed for around a year. Parliament is only able to act to a limited extent. After two parliamentary elections, no new government was formed in 2019 due to a stalemate.
It is the first time in Israel’s history that an incumbent prime minister faces an indictment. Netanyahu speaks of an attempted coup and strongly criticizes Israel’s judiciary.
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