The High Court of Justice on Sunday adjourned a seven-hour hearing on whether Benjamin Netanyahu should be allowed to remain in the prime minister’s chair despite his indictment in three corruption cases. It is set to issue a ruling later in the week, but the justices hinted that they were unpersuaded by the petitioners.
On Monday, the court will hear further petitions concerning the controversial aspects of the three-year coalition deal negotiated by Netanyahu and Blue and White party leader Benny Gantz.
Under that deal, the government’s first six months will be dedicated primarily to combating the novel coronavirus that has infected more than 16,000 Israelis and ravaged the economy.
The agreement includes profound changes to Israel’s constitutional order, some of which contradict established laws, tradition and precedent.
Between Tuesday and Thursday, focus will shift to the Knesset, where three laws are being changed by the coalition deal, two of them constitutional Basic Laws.
They must become law by Thursday, because that’s the deadline for the Knesset to name a prime minister from among its ranks or call new elections. The Knesset is unlikely to approve the new government if the legislation ensuring the rotation deal between Netanyahu and Gantz hasn’t become law.
Sunday’s hearings by an expanded panel of 11 justices were dominated first by representatives of Likud, Blue and White and the relevant branches of government, who all urged the court not to intervene in Netanyahu’s appointment. They were followed by the petitioners, who argued that the justices were obligated to step in. The High Court hearings were broadcast live.
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