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Netanyahu Becomes First Sitting Israeli Prime Minister to Face Criminal
Charges

VOA News

   The corruption trial of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu got
   underway Sunday.

   Netanyahu's trial began with renewed accusations by the prime minister
   that police and prosecutors have launched a conspiracy to "depose" him.

   He is the first sitting Israeli prime minister to face criminal
   charges, including fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes.

   He has also been accused offering regulatory changes to a media mogul
   in exchange for favorable coverage.

   Netanyahu, the head of the right-wing Likud party, has denied all the
   charges and has called the trial a left-wing witch hunt. Upon arriving
   at the courthouse Sunday, he reiterated claims that the charges against
   him are part of a "deep state conspiracy."

   Critics have said his claims undermine Israel's democratic
   institutions.

   The trial begins a week after Netanyahu was sworn in for an
   unprecedented fifth term.

   He did not want to appear in court Sunday, but the Jerusalem District
   Court ruled last week that his appearance was necessary.

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