Israeli Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-chief-tedros-narrowly-escaped-israeli-attack-on-yemen-airport-8573279" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Benjamin Netanyahu</a> has requested that his court hearings, where he was set to testify this week, be cancelled due to a medical procedure he is scheduled to go through. 
In Netanyahu's absence, Justice Minister Yariv Levin will temporarily serve as acting prime minister, as reported by local media.&nbsp;Defence Minister Israel Katz has been given the authority to convene the security cabinet if necessary.
Netanyahu will undergo prostate surgery under general anaesthesia on Sunday (29 December)&nbsp;and will remain in hospital for several days. As per media reports, the surgery will take place in an underground facility amid concerns of rocket fire.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-held-for-protesting-outside-netanyahus-home-8573644" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">'Will not forgive...,' Five held for protesting outside Netanyahu&rsquo;s home as ceasefire talks tank again</a>
The request was submitted to the Jerusalem District Court by his lawyer, Amit Hadad, who said, &ldquo;At this stage, the court is requested to cancel the hearings scheduled for this week.&rdquo; He also added that he will &ldquo;update the court going forward.&rdquo;
&ldquo;The hearing is expected to resume next week, on Monday, January 6,&rdquo; the court said, and wished for Netanyahu&rsquo;s "refuah sheleima," or a speedy recovery. Netanyahu last testified in court on 10 December and has appeared six times so far to answer charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.
<h2>What are the charges against Netanyahu?</h2>
Netanyahu was first indicted&nbsp;in 2019 on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. Netanyahu, who has pleaded not guilty, denies all allegations. The trial against him began in 2020.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-claims-director-of-gazas-kamal-adwan-hospital-a-hamas-terrorist-detains-him-days-after-he-accused-tel-aviv-of-targeting-medical-facility-8574358" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Israel detains director of Gaza's 'last hospital,' accuses him of being a 'Hamas terrorist'</a>
In one case, prosecutors claim Netanyahu gave regulatory benefits worth approximately 1.8 billion shekels (around $500 million) to Bezeq Telecom. In exchange, they claim, he sought favourable coverage for himself and his wife, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sara-netanyahu-allegedly-harassed-a-witness-in-the-corruption-trial" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Sara</a>, on a news website controlled by Shaul Elovitch, the company&rsquo;s former chairman. This case involves charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.
Another case accuses Netanyahu and his wife of accepting gifts worth nearly 700,000 shekels (around $210,000) from Arnon Milchan, a Hollywood producer and Israeli citizen, and James Packer, an Australian billionaire. The alleged gifts included luxury items like champagne and cigars, and prosecutors claim Netanyahu provided assistance to Milchan in business matters. 
The third case involves claims that Netanyahu negotiated with Arnon Mozes, the owner of the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, for favourable media coverage. In return, Netanyahu allegedly promised to support legislation that would curb the growth of a rival newspaper. 
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Netanyahu was first indicted in 2019 on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. The trial began in 2020, even as Netanyahu denies all allegations.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested that his court hearings, where he was set to testify this week, be cancelled due to a medical procedure he is scheduled to go through. In Netanyahu's absence, Justice Minister Yariv Levin will temporarily serve as acting prime minister, as reported by local media. Defence Minister Israel Katz has been given the authority to convene the security cabinet if necessary. Netanyahu will undergo prostate surgery under general anaesthesia on Sunday (29 December) and will remain in hospital for several days. As per media reports, the surgery will take place in an underground facility amid concerns of rocket fire. Also read: 'Will not forgive...,' Five held for protesting outside Netanyahu’s home as ceasefire talks tank again The request was submitted to the Jerusalem District Court by his lawyer, Amit Hadad, who said, “At this stage, the court is requested to cancel the hearings scheduled for this week.” He also added that he will “update the court going forward.” “The hearing is expected to resume next week, on Monday, January 6,” the court said, and wished for Netanyahu’s "refuah sheleima," or a speedy recovery. Netanyahu last testified in court on 10 December and has appeared six times so far to answer charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. What are the charges against Netanyahu? Netanyahu was first indicted in 2019 on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. Netanyahu, who has pleaded not guilty, denies all allegations. The trial against him began in 2020. Also read: Israel detains director of Gaza's 'last hospital,' accuses him of being a 'Hamas terrorist' In one case, prosecutors claim Netanyahu gave regulatory benefits worth approximately 1.8 billion shekels (around $500 million) to Bezeq Telecom. In exchange, they claim, he sought favourable coverage for himself and his wife, Sara, on a news website controlled by Shaul Elovitch, the company’s former chairman. This case involves charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. Another case accuses Netanyahu and his wife of accepting gifts worth nearly 700,000 shekels (around $210,000) from Arnon Milchan, a Hollywood producer and Israeli citizen, and James Packer, an Australian billionaire. The alleged gifts included luxury items like champagne and cigars, and prosecutors claim Netanyahu provided assistance to Milchan in business matters. The third case involves claims that Netanyahu negotiated with Arnon Mozes, the owner of the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, for favourable media coverage. In return, Netanyahu allegedly promised to support legislation that would curb the growth of a rival newspaper. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel's Netanyahu to undergo prostate surgery; Justice Minister to serve as acting PM

Israeli lawmakers passed a bill to dissolve parliament as the country stares at its&nbsp;fifth election in less than four years.

The Knesset committee approved the bill and the plenum passed it with a 53-0 majority. Reports claim fresh elections will be held on October 25 or November 1. The bill needs to be approved by two further Knesset votes. According to the rules, the government bill needs to be passed by the committee vote and three votes in Parliament before the election is declared.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-coalition-to-dissolve-parliament-new-elections-to-be-held-490026">Also Read:&nbsp;</a><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/israel-coalition-to-dissolve-parliament-new-elections-to-be-held-490026" hreflang="en">Israel govt collapses, paving way for 5th election in 3 years; Lapid to be interim PM</a>

Foreign Minister Yair Lapid is set to be the caretaker prime minister in accordance with the powersharing deal with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.

Watch:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/videos/israeli-knesset-passes-first-reading-of-dispersal-bill-final-vote-set-for-wednesday-492540" hreflang="en">Israeli Knesset passes first reading of dispersal bill, final vote set for Wednesday</a>

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However, reports claim former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been trying to form a new government without elections being called with the Likud party courting potential defectors.

Bennett's coalition government had lost the majority in April after party member Idit Silman had joined Netanyahu's party as &nbsp;Bennett and Lapid conceded that a coalition was unworkable.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

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Israeli lawmakers passed a bill to dissolve parliament as the country stares at its fifth election in less than four years. The Knesset committee approved the bill and the plenum passed it with a 53-0 majority.

Israeli lawmakers passed a bill to dissolve parliament as the country stares at its fifth election in less than four years. The Knesset committee approved the bill and the plenum passed it with a 53-0 majority. Reports claim fresh elections will be held on October 25 or November 1. The bill needs to be approved by two further Knesset votes. According to the rules, the government bill needs to be passed by the committee vote and three votes in Parliament before the election is declared. Also Read: Israel govt collapses, paving way for 5th election in 3 years; Lapid to be interim PM Foreign Minister Yair Lapid is set to be the caretaker prime minister in accordance with the powersharing deal with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett. Watch: Israeli Knesset passes first reading of dispersal bill, final vote set for Wednesday However, reports claim former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been trying to form a new government without elections being called with the Likud party courting potential defectors. Bennett's coalition government had lost the majority in April after party member Idit Silman had joined Netanyahu's party as Bennett and Lapid conceded that a coalition was unworkable. (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Israel parliament passes vote to dissolve Parliament

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud Party is on track to emerge as a winner in country's third election in a row&nbsp;this year.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israelis-vote-in-the-third-general-election-in-a-year-will-netanyahu-reach-the-magic-number-283622">Israelis vote in the third general election in a year: Will Netanyahu reach the magic number?</a>

The polls indicated that Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party gained about 37 seats while Gantz's centrist Blue and White party got 32-34 seats in the elections that were held on Monday, reports Xinhua news agency.

Meanwhile, the exit polls also showed that Netanyahu's party and allies gained 59 or 60 seats, meaning the bloc fell short of two or one seat(s) needed for a majority coalition in Israel's 120-seat Parliament or Knesset.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/mired-in-stalemate-israel-holds-another-election-on-netanyahus-future-283660">Mired in stalemate, Israel holds another election on Netanyahu's future</a>

But exit polls indicate that he could still end up struggling to overhaul the majority mark. On your screens right now are the exit poll numbers.

The far-right bloc led by Netanyahu's Likud party is expected to win around 59 seats — which is 2 less than the majority mark. The opposing bloc led by the blue and white alliance is projected to win 54 seats.

And just like last time — Avigdor Lieberman and his Yisrael Beiteinu have emerged as the possible kingmaker with 7 seats.

There were major celebrations at the Likud party headquarters as Benjamin Netanyahu arrived. The prime minister thanked the voters for giving him what he called 'a huge victory for Israel'.

Netanyahu vowed to form a strong national govt after speaking to all the right-wing parties in Israel. And promised to come good on his campaign promises — which include the annexation of the west bank, and the revival of the economy.

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This could, however, be easier said than done. If these exit poll numbers hold — then Netanyahu is still 2 seats short.

And the obvious person the prime minister will turn to — is Avigdor Lieberman. But Lieberman has ruled out joining Netanyahu's bloc.

He says he will only support a unity govt. While these numbers indicate a mandate inclined towards Netanyahu — it is by no means conclusive.

And experts believe the political deadlock could very well continue.Over in the blue and white headquarters — the scene was exactly the opposite.

Speaking to his supporters, Benny Gantz said that he was disappointed by the exit polls and said he hoped the actual results would be different.

At the same time, he promised to continue his opposition to the prime minister.As of now, 9 per cent of the votes have been counted. The Likud party is firmly ahead with 32 per cent. While the blue and white is trailing with 24 per cent of the votes.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud Party is on track to emerge as a winner in country's third election in a row this year. Also read: Israelis vote in the third general election in a year: Will Netanyahu reach the magic number?

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud Party is on track to emerge as a winner in country's third election in a row this year. Also read: Israelis vote in the third general election in a year: Will Netanyahu reach the magic number? The polls indicated that Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party gained about 37 seats while Gantz's centrist Blue and White party got 32-34 seats in the elections that were held on Monday, reports Xinhua news agency. Meanwhile, the exit polls also showed that Netanyahu's party and allies gained 59 or 60 seats, meaning the bloc fell short of two or one seat(s) needed for a majority coalition in Israel's 120-seat Parliament or Knesset. Also see: Mired in stalemate, Israel holds another election on Netanyahu's future But exit polls indicate that he could still end up struggling to overhaul the majority mark. On your screens right now are the exit poll numbers. The far-right bloc led by Netanyahu's Likud party is expected to win around 59 seats — which is 2 less than the majority mark. The opposing bloc led by the blue and white alliance is projected to win 54 seats. And just like last time — Avigdor Lieberman and his Yisrael Beiteinu have emerged as the possible kingmaker with 7 seats. There were major celebrations at the Likud party headquarters as Benjamin Netanyahu arrived. The prime minister thanked the voters for giving him what he called 'a huge victory for Israel'. Netanyahu vowed to form a strong national govt after speaking to all the right-wing parties in Israel. And promised to come good on his campaign promises — which include the annexation of the west bank, and the revival of the economy. × This could, however, be easier said than done. If these exit poll numbers hold — then Netanyahu is still 2 seats short. And the obvious person the prime minister will turn to — is Avigdor Lieberman. But Lieberman has ruled out joining Netanyahu's bloc. He says he will only support a unity govt. While these numbers indicate a mandate inclined towards Netanyahu — it is by no means conclusive. And experts believe the political deadlock could very well continue.Over in the blue and white headquarters — the scene was exactly the opposite. Speaking to his supporters, Benny Gantz said that he was disappointed by the exit polls and said he hoped the actual results would be different. At the same time, he promised to continue his opposition to the prime minister.As of now, 9 per cent of the votes have been counted. The Likud party is firmly ahead with 32 per cent. While the blue and white is trailing with 24 per cent of the votes.

Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud Party on course to win Israel's election: Exit polls

For the third time in a span of less than a year, Israel will be voting to elect its next prime minister.&nbsp;The incumbent and the longest-serving prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu has his task cut out.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-why-is-israel-holding-its-third-election-in-a-year-283555">Explainer: Why is Israel holding its third election in a year?</a>

The earlier two elections have ended in a stalemate. Netanyahu has vowed to build settlements in East Jerusalem ahead of the third round of elections in the country.

But will this gambit help Netanyahu reach the magic number?

Israel is no stranger to political uncertainty. But what is happening now in Israel is unprecedented.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-netanyahu-tries-to-poach-russian-vote-from-old-rival-283601">Also read: Israel's Netanyahu tries to poach 'Russian vote' from old rival</a> 
 
For the first time in its history — Israel is holding 3 back to back general elections. And when a sitting prime minister has been indicted on serious charges of corruption.

According to opinion polls, corruption charges haven't pulled away from traditional Likud party voters. And by building settlements in east Jerusalem, Netanyahu hopes to bring in more hardline voters to his party.

What Netanyahu needs is a coalition which can form a majority in the 120 member Knesset.

"What you guys have to really do is you have to annihilate this line which is not such an easy thing to do. You have to finish annihilating. If we do it in pieces it's one thing, if we do it completely, then you have to delineate all the problems," Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister, Israel.

First mooted in 1995, the plan was shelved by successive Israeli governments due to international condemnation.

"Netanyahu, I will vote for Netanyahu. But I think that what Netanyahu does here is something wrong and dangerous because the Jewish people are not to decide, and the leaders of the Jewish people are not to decide the future, the limits, the borders until we get the full borders of the land of Israel as promised in the bible from god to our patriarchs," said Daniella Weiss, Israeli Orthodox settlement movement activist.

But expansionist pledges during campaigning aren't anything new for Netanyahu. In April 2019, Netanyahu had announced his intention to annex all current settlements in the occupied west bank.&nbsp;

By September 2019, Netanyahu upped the ante. Promising that if he is re-elected, he would claim Israeli sovereignty over a third of the occupied west bank. And now, he has floated a campaign promise to build 3500 homes for Israeli settlers in east Jerusalem.

But the election is still neck and neck. Netanyahu has met his match in Benny Gantz, a former Israeli army chief turned politician. His blue and white party for the first time won more votes than the Likud. Netanyahu is fighting for his political survival. And Benny Gantz is unwilling to cede an inch.

For the third time in a span of less than a year, Israel will be voting to elect its next prime minister. The incumbent and the longest-serving prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu has his task cut out.

For the third time in a span of less than a year, Israel will be voting to elect its next prime minister. The incumbent and the longest-serving prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu has his task cut out. Explainer: Why is Israel holding its third election in a year? The earlier two elections have ended in a stalemate. Netanyahu has vowed to build settlements in East Jerusalem ahead of the third round of elections in the country. But will this gambit help Netanyahu reach the magic number? Israel is no stranger to political uncertainty. But what is happening now in Israel is unprecedented. Also read: Israel's Netanyahu tries to poach 'Russian vote' from old rival For the first time in its history — Israel is holding 3 back to back general elections. And when a sitting prime minister has been indicted on serious charges of corruption. According to opinion polls, corruption charges haven't pulled away from traditional Likud party voters. And by building settlements in east Jerusalem, Netanyahu hopes to bring in more hardline voters to his party. What Netanyahu needs is a coalition which can form a majority in the 120 member Knesset. "What you guys have to really do is you have to annihilate this line which is not such an easy thing to do. You have to finish annihilating. If we do it in pieces it's one thing, if we do it completely, then you have to delineate all the problems," Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister, Israel. First mooted in 1995, the plan was shelved by successive Israeli governments due to international condemnation. "Netanyahu, I will vote for Netanyahu. But I think that what Netanyahu does here is something wrong and dangerous because the Jewish people are not to decide, and the leaders of the Jewish people are not to decide the future, the limits, the borders until we get the full borders of the land of Israel as promised in the bible from god to our patriarchs," said Daniella Weiss, Israeli Orthodox settlement movement activist. But expansionist pledges during campaigning aren't anything new for Netanyahu. In April 2019, Netanyahu had announced his intention to annex all current settlements in the occupied west bank. By September 2019, Netanyahu upped the ante. Promising that if he is re-elected, he would claim Israeli sovereignty over a third of the occupied west bank. And now, he has floated a campaign promise to build 3500 homes for Israeli settlers in east Jerusalem. But the election is still neck and neck. Netanyahu has met his match in Benny Gantz, a former Israeli army chief turned politician. His blue and white party for the first time won more votes than the Likud. Netanyahu is fighting for his political survival. And Benny Gantz is unwilling to cede an inch.

Israelis vote in the third general election in a year: Will Netanyahu reach the magic number?