Netanyahu trial resumes amid virus protests

The trial of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu resumed on Sunday (July 19) after a two-month break. He faces charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust – accusations he denies. Netanyahu was indicted in November in cases involving gifts from millionaire friends. He also allegedly sought regulatory favors for media tycoons in return for favorable coverage. Netanyahu was not required to attend Sunday’s session in Jerusalem. The trial resumed amid mounting protests over Netanyahu’s handling of the coronavirus crisis, compounded by the corruption allegations. A sharp rise in cases, reimposed virus measures and high unemployment have all led to demonstrations against the prime minister. On Saturday (July 18), police used water cannons to remove demonstrators around Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem , while in Tel Aviv thousands demanded better state aid for businesses hurt by virus measures. Netanyahu is the first serving Israeli prime minister to go on trial. Bribery cases can carry a sentence of up to ten years in jail.
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World News from Reuters

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