Netanyahu's trial for corruption begins on March 17

The corruption trial of Benjamin Netanyahu , the only head of government in Israel's history to be charged during his tenure, will begin on March 17, two weeks after elections crucial to his political survival, the court announced on Tuesday.

In a brief statement, the Justice Ministry said the charge will be read by Judge Rivka Friedman-Feldman of the Jerusalem court in the presence of Netanyahu on Tuesday, March 17, in the afternoon. The date is announced when the 70-year-old Israeli prime minister campaigns for the March 2 legislative elections, the third in less than a year in Israel.

After the September legislative elections, his opponent Benny Gantz refused to join a unity government led by Netanyahu, considering that he must first resolve his problems with justice before claiming power. The decision forced Parliament to call a new vote.

The prime minister was indicted for bribery, fraud and breach of trust by prosecutor Avichaï Mandelblit for involvement in three cases. In two of them he is accused of exchanging favors for favorable coverage in the local press, and in the third of having received gifts worth 700,000 shekels (about 853,000 reais) from a Hollywood producer.

Israeli law provides that any minister subject to criminal prosecution must resign, but this does not apply to the prime minister. Although Benjamin Netanyahu may remain in office, he does not enjoy judicial immunity.

In this way, Netanyahu asked, in early January, Parliament to give him immunity after the next legislative elections on March 2, betting on his victory to obtain a majority and, thus, protect himself from justice. But opposition parties convinced the majority of deputies to examine his request for immunity before the elections. Faced with the early rejection of his request, Netanyahu withdrew his request in late January.