Israeli Supreme Court judges have entered day two of their hearings into Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s eligibility to retain the role of prime minister, following an agreement to form a coalition, while facing corruption charges.
A ruling against Netanyahu would mean a fourth round of snap elections will have to take place soon. Israel has been without a proper functioning government since Netanyahu called for snap elections last April, which neither his Likud Party nor his main political rival, Benny Gantz, managed to win despite three consecutive attempts. The political stalemate is supposed to come to an end on May 24th of this year, following last months agreement between Netanyahu and Gantz to form an emergency coalition government to address the ongoing coronavirus pandemic that has infected more than 16 thousand Israeli’s and killed 234, as of today.
Prospects of an actual coalition forming might change come Thursday when the Supreme Court announces its decision on Netanyahu's eligibility to govern.
Queries on Netanyahu's eligibility were only brought to question when several opposition parties and democracy watchdog groups, opposed to his idea of forming a coalition government, sent a petition to the Supreme Court to look into the matter.
Israeli law does not explicitly state that a prime minister under indictment is required to step down, but legal experts suggest precedents to do so do exist on moral grounds. Netanyahu's resignation would mean an end to his more than eleven-year reign in power.
A positive outcome for Netyanhu could see him remain as prime minister for 18 months before giving up the role to Gantz, as part of the coalition agreement.
The pair are expected to hold another round of elections once Gantz’s 18 months in office ends.
By: Niza Nondo
Comments