Corruption trial against PM begins

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing a corruption trial just days after he took office. A Jerusalem court on Sunday began hearing cases against him. Netanyahu, 70, is the first leader in Israel's history to face trial. However, he denies allegations of bribery, fraud and breach of trust.

Arriving in court in the Israeli city of Jerusalem, Prime Minister Netanyahu said the trials were aimed at overthrowing his government. One week ago, he was sworn in as head of state.

This is an extraordinary coalition government. Following a power-sharing deal in April, right-wing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will serve as the country's prime minister for another 18 months, while his political rival Benny Gunz will serve as deputy prime minister for 18 months. Will

The two politicians have agreed to annex part of the occupied West Bank to Israel by July 1 under a controversial plan. Palestinian politicians have rejected the move as illegal.

The Prime Minister has rejected the opposition's demand that he resign due to lawsuits.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is the leader of the Likud party, which has ruled the country for the longest time. He has been in power since 2009, having previously held the post from 1996 to 1999.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has been indicted in three cases, Case 1000, Case 2000 and Case 4000.

Case 1000: In this case, Netanyahu is accused of fraud and breach of trust. He is accused of receiving a number of expensive gifts, including champagne and cigars, in exchange for favors from wealthy friends.

Case 2000: Netanyahu is also accused of fraud and breach of trust in this case. He is accused of offering to help increase the circulation of a newspaper called "Udyvit Ahronat" in exchange for positive coverage.

Case 4000: This is considered to be the most serious case against Netanyahu because it accuses Netanyahu of fraud and trust as well as bribery. Under the accusation, Netanyahu promoted regulatory decisions that offered concessions to one of the leading telecom companies, Besik, in return for positive news coverage from the company's website, and all this. The agreement was reached with the company's shareholder, Mr. Shaul Elovich.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the experts had supported these regulatory decisions and that they had received nothing in return. The shareholders who have been accused of paying bribes have also denied any wrongdoing.