This archive report was first published on 22 November 2019.
November 22, 2019
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decade-long tenure as 'King Bibi' is facing its greatest challenge yet, following his indictment on corruption charges.
The charges, announced by Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit on Thursday, include bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, marking the first time a sitting Israeli prime minister has been indicted.
Netanyahu, 70, has been accused of receiving gifts worth thousands of dollars and negotiating a deal to change regulation in favor of a media group in exchange for positive coverage.
He is also alleged to have secured positive coverage on the Walla! news site in exchange for policies benefiting Bezeq, the controlling shareholder of Israeli telecommunications giant Bezeq.
Netanyahu has vowed to fight the charges, accusing the police and legal system of bias against the right-wing in an often angry speech.
However, his political authority is now under intense scrutiny, with his centrist rival Benny Gantz calling on him to step down and focus on the corruption allegations.
Netanyahu's Likud party is also facing internal divisions, with some members calling for a party leadership election before a third round of elections takes place.
As the country teeters on the brink of a third election, Netanyahu's future hangs in the balance.
