Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu formally indicted on corruption charges

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was formally indicted on corruption charges yesterday, hours after he withdrew his request for Parliamentary immunity in the three graft cases against him. Netanyahu has been charged with bribery and fraud and breach of trust in three separate corruption cases. Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit submitted the indictment in Jerusalem District Court.

Mr Netanyahu will be the first sitting Prime Minister to face trial in the country's history. A trial date has not been set yet, but the legal process could



possibly take years. Under Israeli law, he does not have to resign upon indictment. He only has to resign, if he is convicted and that conviction is upheld through the appeals process. Earlier in the day, Netanyahu withdrew his request for Parliamentary immunity from prosecution on corruption charges.

In November, Prime Minister Netanyahu was indicted by the Attorney General on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust in connection with three separate cases. He has denied any wrongdoing.