Home ›› 24 May 2020 ›› World Biz
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu goes on trial for corruption today, the first time a serving leader will have done so in the country's history, being charged with bribery, fraud and breach of trust
Mr Netanyahu has strongly denied all the charges against him, branding them a "witch-hunt" by political opponents, and has vowed to clear his name.
The 70-year-old has rejected calls by opponents to step down while he fights the cases.
It comes just a week after he was sworn back into office as head of a rare national unity government.
His political rival, Benny Gantz, agreed to share power following three inconclusive elections in under a year.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid called it "an embarrassment" and "horrible for the spirit of the nation" though it is not expected to affect government policy.
According to Israeli law, a prime minister charged with a crime is not required to resign.
The leader of the right-wing Likud party is Israel's longest-serving prime minister, having been in power continuously since 2009. He also served a term in office from 1996-1999.
(Source: BBC)
