Israeli PM ‘traded favours’

ISRAELI prosecutors have accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of formerly trading favours like “currency” at his corruption trial which, along with an inconclusive election, has clouded his prospects of remaining in office.

Netanyahu has pleaded not guilty to charges of bribery, breach of trust and fraud in the Jerusalem District Court. Protesters for and against him could be heard yelling outside.

The state said Netanyahu was behind regulations that allowed a telecom power-couple to clinch deals worth “hundreds of millions of shekels”, in exchange for them sweetening coverage of the premier on a popular news-site then under their control.

Netanyahu faces two additional cases in what is the first criminal trial of a sitting Israeli prime minister. He describes himself as the victim of a politically motivated witch-hunt.

Meanwhile, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin began consulting with party heads on who might form the next coalition government – a toss-up after the March 23 election, the fourth in two years, gave neither Netanyahu nor his rivals a clear mandate.

Rivlin said ethical considerations could factor into his decision, apparently alluding to Netanyahu’s trial.

Ilan Yeshua, former chief executive of the Walla news-site, testified for the prosecution in Netanyahu’s trial.

Yeshua said while employed at Walla, he had been “barraged” by demands from its owners and by Netanyahu confidants to promote the prime minister and play down or attack his political rivals.