Israel’s top court on November 24 dismissed a petition to order Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to step aside after his indictment on corruption charges. The longest-serving PM – Netanyahu was formally indicted on 21 November after a petition was filed by The Movement by Quality government in Israel, a Non-Profit Organisation asking him to resign from the position of a Prime Minister.
The Supreme Court dismissed the petition to force Netanyahu to resign and said that the watchdog has not exhausted other avenues such as petitioning the PM Netanyahu directly and Attorney General of Israel.
He has been charged with bribery, fraud and breach of trust.
Reuters reported that Netanyahu said he will remain in the office and defend himself. He has dismissed all the charges.
Gideon Saar, the rival of Netanyahu from the same Likud party challenged him asking the party to hold another ballot for leadership and said that Netanyahu will not be able to win another election.
Saar spoke to Israel’s Channel 12 television and said, “There is only one way in which we can save the country, extricate it from the crisis and ensure the Likud’s continued rule – and that is if we go to snap primaries today, within these 21 days.”
Israel media reported that even though the Supreme Court dismissed the petition, more petitions could follow the present one. Israel’s law says that a Prime Minister cannot step down from his office because of a formal indictment.
Israel’s president on 21 November declared a three-week period for lawmakers to put together a ruling coalition. If that fails, another election will be held where he will be challenged by Saar. Haim Katz, the head of Likud’s committee said that he will meet Netanyahu and decide on the two proposals about his office.
In his recent video statement, Netanyahu said, “I am doing everything needed to carry out government work, cabinet work … in all necessary ways, to ensure the security of the citizens of Israel and the things that are crucial for Israel.” He also added, “will act to prevent Iran’s attempt to make Iraq and Yemen bases for rocket and missile launches against Israel.”
The Likud party is still in support of Netanyahu and its spokesperson defended him of the charges. He spoke to the media and said, “It is sad to see that while Prime Minister Netanyahu keeps Israel safe on all fronts and works to preserve Likud rule, Gideon Saar, as is he won’t, is displaying zero loyalty and maximum subversion.”
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