Netanyahu pleads "not guilty" in recommenced corruption trial

Overview

• The graft trial of Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu resumed, as he pleaded 'not guilty' on Monday 8th Feb 2021.
• Netanyahu is the longest serving Prime Minister of Israel. He is also the first sitting PM to face a corruption trial.
• The trial began in the courtroom on 24th May 2020 and went on in various stages until November 2020, when the court delayed further proceedings until February 2021.
• The trial has recommenced close to the date of elections in Israel which are to happen on 23^rd March 2021.

Accusations on Netanyahu

• Netanyahu has been accused of fraud, accepting generous gifts from affluent allies, and for breach of trust.
• He has also been accused of granting favours to media houses in exchange of constructive coverage.
• As per BBC's report, Netanyahu is facing fraud and bribery charges based on his relations with the following people:

1. Arnon Milchan, an Israeli Hollywood film producer, and James Packer, an Australian billionaire.
2. Arnon Mozes, a businessman and the controlling shareholder of the Yedioth Ahronoth media group;

• Shaul Elovitch, the controlling shareholder in Israel's biggest telecommunications company Bezeq, which owned the news website Walla.

Netanyahu's Claims

• The Israeli PM has denied all allegations and claims that the 'witch-hunt' is coordinated by the prejudiced law enforcement in Israel as well as the media houses.
• At the hearing on 7^th February 2021, Netanyahu's legal representatives submitted a written response to the allegations along with a 'not guilty' plea.
• The legal representatives of Netanyahu also challenged the trial on procedural grounds stating that the approvals given by the Attorney General for the investigations are not proper.
• Further postponement of the trial was also requested by his attorneys, stating that they 'did not have enough time to prepare'

Consequences

• The timing of the trial comes inconveniently for Netanyahu who would have contested the election in the hopes of staying in power in extension of his 12-year incumbency.
• As an outcome of the trial, several protestors have been protesting against Netanyahu, demanding a new government.
• According to a report by Chicago Times, around 150 protesters chanted against Netanyahu during the trial on the 7^th Many carried banners reading 'Crime Minister.'
• A counter-protest movement in support of Netanyahu has also taken to the streets, as per Al Jazira.

What effect could these events in Israel's politics have on India-Israel relations?

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