Trial of 3 criminal charges against Israeli Prime Minister

(CLO) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must appear in court for the first hearing today (December 10) in the trial of three criminal charges related to corruption against him.

Here are key facts about the charges against Prime Minister Netanyahu, which have divided the Israeli public at a time of turmoil in the Middle East.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives for a press conference in Jerusalem, December 9. Photo: Pool

Three criminal cases

Mr. Netanyahu was indicted in 2019 on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. The trial began in 2020 and involved three criminal cases. He denies the charges and has pleaded not guilty.

Case 1 : Prosecutors accuse Netanyahu of granting management favors worth about 1.8 billion shekels (about $500 million) to Israeli telecommunications giant Bezeq Telecom in exchange for positive coverage of himself and his wife, Sara, on a news website controlled by the company’s former chairman, Shaul Elovitch. In that case, Netanyahu has been charged with bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.

Second case : Mr. Netanyahu is also charged with fraud and breach of trust, alleging that he and his wife received nearly 700,000 shekels ($210,000) in gifts from Israeli Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan and Australian billionaire businessman James Packer. The gifts included champagne and cigars, and Mr. Netanyahu helped Milchan with business activities. Packer and Milchan do not face any charges.

Third case : The Israeli prime minister is also accused of negotiating with Arnon Mozes, owner of the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, to get more favorable coverage in exchange for slowing the growth of a rival newspaper. Mr. Netanyahu has been charged with fraud and breach of trust.

When will the verdict be given?

A verdict is unlikely to come soon, unless Mr Netanyahu seeks a plea deal. It could be months before a judge issues a ruling.

What will happen to the Prime Minister of Israel?

Bribery is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine. Fraud and breach of trust is punishable by up to three years in prison.

But under Israeli law, a prime minister is not obliged to resign unless convicted. If they appeal the verdict, they can keep their job during the appeal process.

Ngoc Anh (according to Reuters, AJ)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/nhung-dieu-dang-chu-y-ve-phien-toa-xet-xu-3-toi-hinh-su-doi-voi-thu-tuong-israel-post324931.html