‘Israeli’ Elections: Netanyahu’s Corruption Charges again Into Spotlight amid Likely Win

By Staff, Agencies

As Zionist Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sits on the cusp of an electoral victory, the string of corruption scandals that overshadowed the tail-end of his last term as premier will be once again thrown into the public spotlight, as debates began to arise over the legality of prosecuting him.

With the final results for the 21st Knesset expected in only a matter of hours, the numbers of recently released data appeared to rest firmly in Netanyahu’s favor. Both him and top rival Benny Gantz of the Blue & White party were set to emerge neck-and-neck with 35 seats, however the former with the added advantage of right-wing support galvanizing behind him.

In this context, Likud MK Miki Zohar speaking to Kan public broadcaster on Wednesday morning said, “the people decided that the cases [against Netanyahu] aren’t criminal in nature,” placing emphasis on the election results that he claimed reflect the will of the public.

“The public thinks that there is a line that the courts and law enforcement should not cross — that’s the line the prime minister was on,” Zohar continued. “You can’t cross this line and get to the point where you’re arguing that a politician speaking with the media committed a criminal act.”

On February 28, Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit announced his intentions to indict Netanyahu for bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, although a hearing is first required before actual charges are filed-- if at all. He agreed to delay releasing the evidence until after Election Day in response to pressure from Netanyahu’s legal team that such information could impact his chances in the election.

With Netanyahu’s reelection likely, as prime minister he is not required to relinquish the premiership if indicted -- only if he is convicted with all appeals exhausted. The ‘Israeli’ parliament can ask the prime minister to step down before that process is complete, but if it does not, he can remain in office throughout.