Justices weigh leader’s authority

JERUSALEM — Israel’s high court heard petitions Sunday that seek to block Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from forming a government because he has been charged with serious crimes.

An exceptionally large panel of 11 justices participated in the highly anticipated session that was being portrayed by some as a watershed moment for Israeli democracy. The hearing was broadcast live, a rare arrangement for the court and a nod to ongoing restrictions on public life during the coronavirus pandemic.

Much is at stake. If the court voids Netanyahu’s ability to serve as prime minister, Israel could be plunged into political chaos, and it would likely trigger the country’s fourth election in just over 12 months.

The justices are being asked to decide whether a prime minister can form a government while under indictment — something the Israeli legal code does not explicitly prohibit.

Defending the prime minister, Michael Rabello, an attorney representing Netanyahu’s Likud party, said that over a million Israelis had voted for him with the knowledge he could be prime minister. “How can you say that this panel can replace the voters?” he asked the court.

Netanyahu was indicted earlier this year on charges of accepting bribes, fraud and breach of trust. He has denied any wrongdoing.

On Monday, the court will address petitions concerning Netanyahu’s powersharing coalition deal with his main rival, former military chief Benny Gantz.