The Economist: Netanyahu Fights for Political Survival

Police officers informed Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu in February that impending charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust would come his way. Netanyahu addressed the nation the same day, recounting his 50 years of service, including experience with the Special Forces and as ambassador to the United Nations. Israel’s police chief, Robi Alsheikh had been selected by Netanyahu out of the internal security service delivered the news of forensic probes and possible charges. According to a recent report in the Economist, Netanyahu and his wife received champagne, Cuban cigars and jewelry, with police estimating the total worth of gifts at $280,000. In response, Netanyahu denied doing anything wrong. The Economist reports that his attacks on the media have intensified, but describes his Likud party coalition as “stable. The article describes him as “a dominant figure in Israeli politics who first came to power in 1996 and has served a total of 12 years as prime minister.” The article concludes that there is no precedent for an Israeli prime minister serving while under indictment and such a situation would damage Israel’s justice system and institutions. – YaleGlobal