Israel’s prime minister is set to arrive at the Jerusalem District Court later today amid tightened security and mass demonstrations in favour of and against the PM, who is accused of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in a series of graft probes that include buying positive news coverage and receiving illegal gifts from a rich donor.
East Jerusalem will see heavy traffic and tightened security later today as the city prepares for the opening of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s trial, who will now become not only the country’s longest serving but also the first sitting PM to go before a tribunal.
Citing an unwillingness to breach regulations imposed by Israel’s Ministry of Health banning crowds in enclosed spaces, Netanyahu tried to skip his first hearing but the High Court decided his presence was “necessary”, ruling that only a few people would be let inside the courtroom.
The trial, previously scheduled for mid-March, was postponed due to the outbreak of the coronavirus and is set to kick off at 13:00 GMT. Netanyahu is expected to arrive at the court accompanied by a retinue of bodyguards and security personnel as well as several of his loyalists, members of his party Likud.
Read more: Lots of Noise, Three Cases, and One Prime Minister: Benjamin Netanyahu Trial Kicks Off in Jerusalem
