Israel's legal and political dramas converged Monday as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced court in his corruption trial while his bid to form a government after another inconclusive election reached a critical phase.

The 71-year-old veteran premier -- who last month contested his fourth election in less than two years -- arrived at the Jerusalem courthouse where he was met by supporters but also opponents who called him Israel's "crime minister".

Israel's first premier to be indicted in office was ordered to appear in person at Jerusalem's District Court for opening arguments in a case where is charged with bribery, fraud of breach of trust.&nbsp;

As court proceedings got underway, President Reuven Rivlin began two days of talks to determine which party leader has the best chance of forming a stable government following the March 23 election.

Israel remains mired in the worst political crisis in its 73-year history, with voters and the 120-member parliament bitterly split over whether Netanyahu deserves to extend his record tenure of 12 consecutive years.&nbsp;

Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party finished first in the polls almost two weeks ago, winning 30 seats, but his path to a 61-seat absolute majority is precarious.&nbsp;

The anti-Netanyahu camp, however, lacks a clear leader, is ideologically divided and will also struggle to forge a majority coalition. &nbsp;

Netanyahu, wearing a black face mask and a dark suit, sat in court as lead prosecutor Liat Ben-Ari told judges that the premier was involved in "a serious case of government corruption".

He has been charged with accepting improper gifts and seeking to trade regulatory favours with media moguls in exchange for positive coverage -- &nbsp;allegations which he denies.&nbsp;

Ben-Ari said Netanyahu had "made illegitimate use of the great governmental power entrusted to him," in his dealings with media executives "in order to advance his personal affairs".&nbsp;

With permission from judges, Netanyahu left the courtroom before the prosecution called its first witness, the former chief executive of the Walla news site, Ilan Yeshua.&nbsp;

Yeshua testified that he had regularly received instructions from Netanyahu's allies to post articles favourable to the prime minister and information that smeared the premier's rivals.&nbsp;

"It was clear that we were a website that did what the prime minister's office asked us," Yeshua told the court.&nbsp;

According to Yeshua's testimony, a key target of Netanyahu's alleged smear campaign was Naftali Bennett, the prime minister's estranged former protege who now leads the religious nationalist Yamina party.&nbsp;

That fact now spells a political problem for Netanyahu, who will likely need Bennett's support in order to form a government.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Rivlin, whose presidential residence was also the site of an anti-Netanyahu protest, was meeting with party officials throughout the day. &nbsp;

According to custom, he will give the leader with the most recommendations from individual lawmakers a 28-day window to form a government. That can be extended by 14 days at the president's discretion.

The recommendations were proceeding as expected, with Likud and the two ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties, which control 16 seats, endorsing a Netanyahu-led government.

The election's second place finisher, the centrist Yesh Atid party, used its 17 votes to endorse leader Yair Lapid, a former television host.&nbsp;

Lapid also gained the eight seats controlled by Defence Minister Benny Gantz, who was Netanyahu's main rival in the three previous elections.&nbsp;

Gantz's decision to join a short-lived coalition under Netanyahu caused his political support to collapse.&nbsp;

While Lapid's final recommendation tally remains uncertain, an anti-Netanyahu alliance would require a tightrope deal among him, Gantz, Likud defector Gideon Saar, Bennett, and a group of left-wing parties.

Yamina has endorsed Bennett for prime minister, in another expected development.&nbsp;

But his position could evolve after Rivlin assigns a mandate.&nbsp;

In an unprecedented twist for Israeli coalition politics, it appears impossible for either camp to form a government without support from the conservative Islamic Raam Party, which controls four seats.

Its leader Mansour Abbas has said he is open to hearing from all sides, but the far-right Religious Zionism party has ruled out sitting in a government with Raam, further complicating Netanyahu's coalition hopes.

If both the prime minister and the anti-Netanyahu camp fail to form a coalition, Israel could soon face a fifth election.

Israel's legal and political dramas converged Monday as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced court in his corruption trial while his bid to form a government after another inconclusive election reached a critical phase.

Israel's legal and political dramas converged Monday as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced court in his corruption trial while his bid to form a government after another inconclusive election reached a critical phase. The 71-year-old veteran premier -- who last month contested his fourth election in less than two years -- arrived at the Jerusalem courthouse where he was met by supporters but also opponents who called him Israel's "crime minister". Israel's first premier to be indicted in office was ordered to appear in person at Jerusalem's District Court for opening arguments in a case where is charged with bribery, fraud of breach of trust. As court proceedings got underway, President Reuven Rivlin began two days of talks to determine which party leader has the best chance of forming a stable government following the March 23 election. Israel remains mired in the worst political crisis in its 73-year history, with voters and the 120-member parliament bitterly split over whether Netanyahu deserves to extend his record tenure of 12 consecutive years. Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party finished first in the polls almost two weeks ago, winning 30 seats, but his path to a 61-seat absolute majority is precarious. The anti-Netanyahu camp, however, lacks a clear leader, is ideologically divided and will also struggle to forge a majority coalition. Netanyahu, wearing a black face mask and a dark suit, sat in court as lead prosecutor Liat Ben-Ari told judges that the premier was involved in "a serious case of government corruption". He has been charged with accepting improper gifts and seeking to trade regulatory favours with media moguls in exchange for positive coverage -- allegations which he denies. Ben-Ari said Netanyahu had "made illegitimate use of the great governmental power entrusted to him," in his dealings with media executives "in order to advance his personal affairs". With permission from judges, Netanyahu left the courtroom before the prosecution called its first witness, the former chief executive of the Walla news site, Ilan Yeshua. Yeshua testified that he had regularly received instructions from Netanyahu's allies to post articles favourable to the prime minister and information that smeared the premier's rivals. "It was clear that we were a website that did what the prime minister's office asked us," Yeshua told the court. According to Yeshua's testimony, a key target of Netanyahu's alleged smear campaign was Naftali Bennett, the prime minister's estranged former protege who now leads the religious nationalist Yamina party. That fact now spells a political problem for Netanyahu, who will likely need Bennett's support in order to form a government. Meanwhile, Rivlin, whose presidential residence was also the site of an anti-Netanyahu protest, was meeting with party officials throughout the day. According to custom, he will give the leader with the most recommendations from individual lawmakers a 28-day window to form a government. That can be extended by 14 days at the president's discretion. The recommendations were proceeding as expected, with Likud and the two ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties, which control 16 seats, endorsing a Netanyahu-led government. The election's second place finisher, the centrist Yesh Atid party, used its 17 votes to endorse leader Yair Lapid, a former television host. Lapid also gained the eight seats controlled by Defence Minister Benny Gantz, who was Netanyahu's main rival in the three previous elections. Gantz's decision to join a short-lived coalition under Netanyahu caused his political support to collapse. While Lapid's final recommendation tally remains uncertain, an anti-Netanyahu alliance would require a tightrope deal among him, Gantz, Likud defector Gideon Saar, Bennett, and a group of left-wing parties. Yamina has endorsed Bennett for prime minister, in another expected development. But his position could evolve after Rivlin assigns a mandate. In an unprecedented twist for Israeli coalition politics, it appears impossible for either camp to form a government without support from the conservative Islamic Raam Party, which controls four seats. Its leader Mansour Abbas has said he is open to hearing from all sides, but the far-right Religious Zionism party has ruled out sitting in a government with Raam, further complicating Netanyahu's coalition hopes. If both the prime minister and the anti-Netanyahu camp fail to form a coalition, Israel could soon face a fifth election.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces court in corruption trial

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in court on Monday to formally respond to corruption charges, as his trial enters an intensified phase six weeks before he faces re-election.&nbsp;

Netanyahu, the first Israeli premier to be indicted in office, was charged last year over allegations that he accepted improper gifts and sought to trade regulatory favour with media moguls in exchange for positive coverage.

The combative 71-year-old prime minister, who has blasted the charges as "fabricated and ludicrous", was at the Jerusalem court conferring with his legal team shortly before the hearing was due to start.&nbsp;

Repeatedly suggesting the charges against him have been trumped up, Netanyahu has taken direct aim at his hand-picked attorney general, Avichai Mandelblit.&nbsp;

At the Monday hearing, which was pushed back multiple times due to coronavirus restrictions, Netanyahu is compelled to deliver the defendant's formal response to the allegations.

This marks the last pre-trial hearing with upcoming sessions focused on testimony and evidence.&nbsp;

The trial schedule may force Netanyahu to appear in court multiple times a week, as he campaigns ahead of Israel's fourth election in less than two years to be held on March 23.&nbsp;

'Election meddling'? 

When Netanyahu last appeared in court nine months ago, he was fresh off a political victory, forming a coalition government with his election rival Benny Gantz, following three inconclusive votes.&nbsp;

But that fraught coalition proved short-lived and collapsed in December, with Gantz branding Netanyahu as serially dishonest. &nbsp;

It is unclear whether the cloud of the trial will hurt the premier's re-election chances in March.&nbsp;

Israel's parliament speaker and Netanyahu loyalist Yariv Levin insisted the court must "postpone" the trial's upcoming phase.

Proceeding now "will be lending a hand to blatant meddling in the elections", he told the right-wing Israel Hayom newspaper on Sunday.&nbsp;

Levin charged that it was unfair for the prosecution to present its case during the election campaign, while the defence rebuttals are scheduled for after election day. &nbsp;

Several recent polls show that Netanyahu's right-wing Likud remains the strongest party by a comfortable margin, but it is far from certain that it will be able to form a 61-seat majority with its conservative and religious allies.&nbsp;

For the first time in his political career, Netanyahu is also facing a challenge from a prominent Likud defector: Gideon Saar, who broke with the prime minister to form his own New Hope party.&nbsp;

4,000, 2,000, 1,000&nbsp;

The charges against Netanyahu are divided into three separate cases.&nbsp;

The most serious -- known as Case 4,000, in which the premier is accused of bribery, fraud and breach of trust -- centres on the allegation that he negotiated with Shaul Elovitch of the telecommunications giant Bezeq to secure positive coverage on his Walla! news site in exchange for policies benefiting Bezeq.

Elovitch and his wife were also indicted.

Case 2,000 concerns allegations Netanyahu sought a deal with the owner of the Yediot Aharonot newspaper that would have seen it give him more favourable coverage. &nbsp;

Case 1,000 involves allegations Netanyahu and his family received gifts, including luxury cigars, champagne and jewellery estimated to be worth more than 700,000 shekels ($213,000), from wealthy individuals, in exchange for financial or personal favours.

The prime minister denies wrongdoing.&nbsp;

Weekly protests against him have rumbled on for months, with demonstrators focusing on the graft allegations.

Others have protested against the government's handling of the pandemic.&nbsp;

A crowd of protesters, at least one holding a banner emblazoned with the words "Crime Minister", was outside the courtroom on Monday as Netanyahu's motorcade arrived.&nbsp;

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in court on Monday to formally respond to corruption charges, as his trial enters an intensified phase six weeks before he faces re-election.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in court on Monday to formally respond to corruption charges, as his trial enters an intensified phase six weeks before he faces re-election. Netanyahu, the first Israeli premier to be indicted in office, was charged last year over allegations that he accepted improper gifts and sought to trade regulatory favour with media moguls in exchange for positive coverage. The combative 71-year-old prime minister, who has blasted the charges as "fabricated and ludicrous", was at the Jerusalem court conferring with his legal team shortly before the hearing was due to start. Repeatedly suggesting the charges against him have been trumped up, Netanyahu has taken direct aim at his hand-picked attorney general, Avichai Mandelblit. At the Monday hearing, which was pushed back multiple times due to coronavirus restrictions, Netanyahu is compelled to deliver the defendant's formal response to the allegations. This marks the last pre-trial hearing with upcoming sessions focused on testimony and evidence. The trial schedule may force Netanyahu to appear in court multiple times a week, as he campaigns ahead of Israel's fourth election in less than two years to be held on March 23. 'Election meddling'? When Netanyahu last appeared in court nine months ago, he was fresh off a political victory, forming a coalition government with his election rival Benny Gantz, following three inconclusive votes. But that fraught coalition proved short-lived and collapsed in December, with Gantz branding Netanyahu as serially dishonest. It is unclear whether the cloud of the trial will hurt the premier's re-election chances in March. Israel's parliament speaker and Netanyahu loyalist Yariv Levin insisted the court must "postpone" the trial's upcoming phase. Proceeding now "will be lending a hand to blatant meddling in the elections", he told the right-wing Israel Hayom newspaper on Sunday. Levin charged that it was unfair for the prosecution to present its case during the election campaign, while the defence rebuttals are scheduled for after election day. Several recent polls show that Netanyahu's right-wing Likud remains the strongest party by a comfortable margin, but it is far from certain that it will be able to form a 61-seat majority with its conservative and religious allies. For the first time in his political career, Netanyahu is also facing a challenge from a prominent Likud defector: Gideon Saar, who broke with the prime minister to form his own New Hope party. 4,000, 2,000, 1,000 The charges against Netanyahu are divided into three separate cases. The most serious -- known as Case 4,000, in which the premier is accused of bribery, fraud and breach of trust -- centres on the allegation that he negotiated with Shaul Elovitch of the telecommunications giant Bezeq to secure positive coverage on his Walla! news site in exchange for policies benefiting Bezeq. Elovitch and his wife were also indicted. Case 2,000 concerns allegations Netanyahu sought a deal with the owner of the Yediot Aharonot newspaper that would have seen it give him more favourable coverage. Case 1,000 involves allegations Netanyahu and his family received gifts, including luxury cigars, champagne and jewellery estimated to be worth more than 700,000 shekels ($213,000), from wealthy individuals, in exchange for financial or personal favours. The prime minister denies wrongdoing. Weekly protests against him have rumbled on for months, with demonstrators focusing on the graft allegations. Others have protested against the government's handling of the pandemic. A crowd of protesters, at least one holding a banner emblazoned with the words "Crime Minister", was outside the courtroom on Monday as Netanyahu's motorcade arrived.

Israel's Netanyahu returns to court as graft trial ramps up

For Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu, this year should have been the best of his political career as he's managed what no other Israeli prime minister could - four peace deals and counting.

Under Netanyahu's leadership and America's nudge, Arab nations are normalising ties with Israel but foreign policy wins do not always translate into domestic political gains and so Netanyahu will have to fight again to retain his chair.

Israel is bracing for its fourth election in two years. The unity government of Benjamin Netanyahu and Benny Gantz has crumbled after the two sides failed to pass an annual budget as Israel's parliament the Knesset was dissolved on Tuesday.

The next election is in March and Netanyahu remains the favourite, however, he faces challenging days ahead.

The Speaker of the Knesset announced that Israel will have another election. The first three elections were inconclusive but the pandemic forced Benjamin Netanyahu and Benny Gantz to join hands and a rare government of national unity was formed but it didn't last even nine months.

"I must say that unfortunately we were unable to find enough common ground to prevent another round of elections and enable the 23rd Knesset and its members to exercise the mandate given us," Knesset Speaker Yariv Levin, said.

"We are all going to face a difficult election campaign, and I call on each and every one of us, and on each and every Israeli citizen to refrain from exacerbating tensions and to do everything possible so that the election campaign is conducted and concludes in an orderly manner and without displays of violence," the Speaker added.

After the deadline to pass the Budget expired, the leaders were quick to switch to campaign mode with each side blaming the other for the crisis as Netanyahu fired the first shot. However, among the people, the frustration is palpable. They blame the leaders for failing to deliver a functioning government with the pandemic still raging Israelis say an election is the last thing they need right now.

"I think the early election is very bad for Israel and in general it's a very frustrating situation that we got ourselves into. The political standstill for the past few years is very very bad in general and our leadership is not doing what it's supposed to do which is to take care of Israeli citizens and the situation is very very very sad," Mickie Reshef, 32-year-old project manager, said.

"Well, naturally, a fourth election in less than two years isn't what the economy needs right now, isn't what the country needs, isn't what the people needs, in the middle of the pandemic - it's not over yet - we have started with the vaccines but a fourth election isn't good for anybody I think," Yazid Ershied, 22-year-old lawyer says.

Netanyahu is fighting to retain the prime minister's office for the sixth term. He faces another rival this time - Gideon Saar, a defector from Netanyahu's Likud party. Saar is an experienced hand. He has served as Israel's education and interior minister.&nbsp;

Now, the Likud rebel wants to eat into Netanyahu's support base. An opinion poll shows Saar drawing even with Netanyahu with Benny Gantz falling behind.

Political competition is not Netanyahu's only problem, public outrage is also a major challenge. There is anger over his response to the Wuhan virus though Israel has already begun rolling out vaccines, but the prime minister faces corruption charges.

The campaign for the next election will unfold during the hearings against Netanyahu. The court proceedings may require him to appear in the defendant's dock several times despite the tough odds, Netanyahu has promised to fight and with a new challenger turning this election into a three-way contest, Israel's political crisis is set to grind on.

For Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu, this year should have been the best of his political career as he's managed what no other Israeli prime minister could - four peace deals and counting.

For Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu, this year should have been the best of his political career as he's managed what no other Israeli prime minister could - four peace deals and counting. Under Netanyahu's leadership and America's nudge, Arab nations are normalising ties with Israel but foreign policy wins do not always translate into domestic political gains and so Netanyahu will have to fight again to retain his chair. Israel is bracing for its fourth election in two years. The unity government of Benjamin Netanyahu and Benny Gantz has crumbled after the two sides failed to pass an annual budget as Israel's parliament the Knesset was dissolved on Tuesday. The next election is in March and Netanyahu remains the favourite, however, he faces challenging days ahead. The Speaker of the Knesset announced that Israel will have another election. The first three elections were inconclusive but the pandemic forced Benjamin Netanyahu and Benny Gantz to join hands and a rare government of national unity was formed but it didn't last even nine months. "I must say that unfortunately we were unable to find enough common ground to prevent another round of elections and enable the 23rd Knesset and its members to exercise the mandate given us," Knesset Speaker Yariv Levin, said. "We are all going to face a difficult election campaign, and I call on each and every one of us, and on each and every Israeli citizen to refrain from exacerbating tensions and to do everything possible so that the election campaign is conducted and concludes in an orderly manner and without displays of violence," the Speaker added. After the deadline to pass the Budget expired, the leaders were quick to switch to campaign mode with each side blaming the other for the crisis as Netanyahu fired the first shot. However, among the people, the frustration is palpable. They blame the leaders for failing to deliver a functioning government with the pandemic still raging Israelis say an election is the last thing they need right now. "I think the early election is very bad for Israel and in general it's a very frustrating situation that we got ourselves into. The political standstill for the past few years is very very bad in general and our leadership is not doing what it's supposed to do which is to take care of Israeli citizens and the situation is very very very sad," Mickie Reshef, 32-year-old project manager, said. "Well, naturally, a fourth election in less than two years isn't what the economy needs right now, isn't what the country needs, isn't what the people needs, in the middle of the pandemic - it's not over yet - we have started with the vaccines but a fourth election isn't good for anybody I think," Yazid Ershied, 22-year-old lawyer says. Netanyahu is fighting to retain the prime minister's office for the sixth term. He faces another rival this time - Gideon Saar, a defector from Netanyahu's Likud party. Saar is an experienced hand. He has served as Israel's education and interior minister. Now, the Likud rebel wants to eat into Netanyahu's support base. An opinion poll shows Saar drawing even with Netanyahu with Benny Gantz falling behind. Political competition is not Netanyahu's only problem, public outrage is also a major challenge. There is anger over his response to the Wuhan virus though Israel has already begun rolling out vaccines, but the prime minister faces corruption charges. The campaign for the next election will unfold during the hearings against Netanyahu. The court proceedings may require him to appear in the defendant's dock several times despite the tough odds, Netanyahu has promised to fight and with a new challenger turning this election into a three-way contest, Israel's political crisis is set to grind on.

Netanyahu faces new opponent Gideon Saar as Israel braces for fourth election in two years

Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu has once again been charged with corruption charges. This time the PM has accepted another gift from a wealthy American friend to pay for his multi-million dollar legal defence case. Watch report.

Corruption charges against Netanyahu: New twist in Bibi's corruption trial

&nbsp;The corruption trial of Benjamin Netanyahu opens on Sunday in a Jerusalem court, where he will become the first serving Israeli prime minister to face criminal prosecution, in a case he calls a political witch-hunt.

Netanyahu is required to appear for the session in Jerusalem District Court, a week after he was sworn in to a record fifth term as head of a unity government, ending more than a year of political deadlock in the wake of three inconclusive elections.

He was indicted in November on bribery, fraud and breach of trust charges in three cases involving gifts from millionaire friends and for allegedly seeking regulatory favours for media tycoons in return for favourable coverage.

Netanyahu, who heads the right-wing Likud party, has cast his prosecution as a leftist witch-hunt meant to oust a popular right-wing leader.

As prime minister, Netanyahu is under no legal obligation to resign and he has said his court battle will not affect his ability to do his job.

A three-judge panel will hear his case. On Wednesday, it turned down his request to stay away from the opening session.

In asking to be excused, Netanyahu called the event a formality and argued that bringing his contingent of bodyguards would waste public funds and make it hard to comply with social distancing rules.

Some critics said Netanyahu was trying to avoid the optics of a prime minister sitting in the defendant's dock.

Turning down his request, the court said it was important for justice to be seen to be done.

Six years ago, former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert was found guilty of bribe-taking and served 16 months in jail. His trial took place after his 2006-2009 term in office.

The corruption trial of Benjamin Netanyahu opens on Sunday in a Jerusalem court, where he will become the first serving Israeli prime minister to face criminal prosecution, in a case he calls a political witch-hunt.

The corruption trial of Benjamin Netanyahu opens on Sunday in a Jerusalem court, where he will become the first serving Israeli prime minister to face criminal prosecution, in a case he calls a political witch-hunt. Netanyahu is required to appear for the session in Jerusalem District Court, a week after he was sworn in to a record fifth term as head of a unity government, ending more than a year of political deadlock in the wake of three inconclusive elections. He was indicted in November on bribery, fraud and breach of trust charges in three cases involving gifts from millionaire friends and for allegedly seeking regulatory favours for media tycoons in return for favourable coverage. Netanyahu, who heads the right-wing Likud party, has cast his prosecution as a leftist witch-hunt meant to oust a popular right-wing leader. As prime minister, Netanyahu is under no legal obligation to resign and he has said his court battle will not affect his ability to do his job. A three-judge panel will hear his case. On Wednesday, it turned down his request to stay away from the opening session. In asking to be excused, Netanyahu called the event a formality and argued that bringing his contingent of bodyguards would waste public funds and make it hard to comply with social distancing rules. Some critics said Netanyahu was trying to avoid the optics of a prime minister sitting in the defendant's dock. Turning down his request, the court said it was important for justice to be seen to be done. Six years ago, former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert was found guilty of bribe-taking and served 16 months in jail. His trial took place after his 2006-2009 term in office.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu goes on trial for corruption charges

Wearing face masks, carrying black flags and keeping two metres away from each other, thousands of Israelis held a demonstration against prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (April 19) under strict coronavirus restrictions.

Anti-Netanyahu rally draws thousands under coronavirus curbs