Netanyahu first Israeli prime minister in history to stand trial, proceedings could last months

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will appear in court in Jerusalem for a corruption trial.

This is the first time in the history of Israel that a sitting prime minister will stand trial. Netanyahu is accused of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust - allegations he strongly denies and rejects opposition calls to step down as prime minister.

The trial begins just seven days after he was sworn in as prime minister, after his political rival Benny Gantz agreed to a power-sharing deal and the formation of a national unity government following three rounds of inconclusive elections in less than a year.

Netanyahu will attend the start of the trial, which is being held at the Jerusalem District Court, BBC reports, as cited by RTS.

The leader of the right-wing Likud party is Israel's longest-serving prime minister, having been in power continuously since 2009. He also served a term from 1996 to 1999.

What is Benjamin Netanyahu accused of?

Netanyahu is accused in three cases, known as 1,000, 2,000, and 4,000:

Case 1,000 - Fraud and breach of trust: He is accused of receiving gifts - mainly cigars and bottles of champagne - from powerful businessmen in exchange for favors.

Case 2,000 - Fraud and breach of trust: Netanyahu is accused of offering to improve the circulation of an Israeli newspaper in exchange for positive coverage.

Case 4,000 - Bribery, fraud, and breach of trust: As prime minister and minister of communications at the time of the alleged offense, Netanyahu is accused of promoting regulatory decisions favorable to the controlling shareholder of the telecommunications giant Bezeq, in exchange for positive coverage on his website.

Netanyahu has vehemently denied all charges against him, calling them a "witch hunt."

According to Israeli law, a prime minister accused of a criminal offense is not required to resign. Even if convicted, Netanyahu would not have to resign until all appeals are exhausted - which, in theory, could take months or even years.