A stunning tirade highlights Israeli divide over Netanyahu
POOL - In this Sunday, May 24, 2020 photo, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accompanied by members of his Likud Party in masks delivers a statement before entering the district court in Jerusalem. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has long faced accusations of using his formidable oratory skills and flair for the dramatic to sow divisions between friends and foes. Someone capable of saying those things isnt fit to be prime minister, said opposition leader Yair Lapid. In power since 2009, and for more than 14 years overall, Netanyahu is Israels longest serving prime minister. Netanyahu is not the first Israeli prime minister to go on trial.
Israel's Netanyahu, unbeaten in elections, is going on trial
JERUSALEM After entering the record books last year as Israels longest-serving prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu will once again make history when he becomes the countrys first sitting leader to go on trial. Both former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and former President Moshe Katsav went to prison in the 2010s Olmert on corruption charges and Katsav for rape. After three bruising elections over the past year, Netanyahu was sworn into office this week for a fourth consecutive term. Under the deal, the alternate prime minister, like the premier, will not be required to resign due to criminal charges. That could ensure that Netanyahu remains in office throughout his trial and even into a possible appeals process.