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Israeli Court Hears Petitions Against Netanyahu

VOA News

   Israel'sSupreme Courtbegan hearing petitions againstPrime
   MinisterBenjamin Netanyahu forming a government whileundercriminal
   indictments.

   A largepanel of 11 justices, areconsideringthe issue of whether a
   politicianis would be entrusted to form agovernmentin such
   circumstances, for whichthe Israeli legal codeisnot explicitlyclear.

   Although Israel is under the coronavirus restrictions, protesters
   gathered outside the parliament to watchtheproceedingsthat were
   broadcast live.

   A widebannerreading in Hebrew: "Saving the country fighting
   corruption"was highly visible.

   An Israeli court indictedNetanyahu earlier this year on chargesofbreach
   of trust,fraud,andaccepting bribes.He has denied any wrongdoing.

   If the courtrules thatNetanyahushould not serveas prime minister,
   Israel could likelyhold election again, the fourth in justover
   12consecutivemonths.

   Following another deadlocked election, Netanyahu signed a power-sharing
   deal with main rival, Benny Gantz. Under the dealNetanyahu serves as
   prime minister for the first 18 months while Ganz serves the next 18
   months.

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