Israel High Court says a petition to prevent Netanyahu from forming a government was filed too soon

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – Israel’s High Court ruled Sunday that a petition to disqualify Benjamin Netanyahu from forming a new government was filed too early. The petition claims Netanyahu should be barred from leading the country because of the corruption charges he faces. Justice Alex Stein dismissed the petition on the grounds that President Reuven Rivlin has not asked Netanyahu to form a government coalition this time around. Nevertheless, the Times of Israel reports, the Court said the application could be renewed should Rivlin give Netanyahu such a mandate in due course.

The petition was filed earlier in the day on Sunday by 117 professionals in the high-tech, business and security sectors. It was submitted just after Rivlin stated he would not extend the mandate to form a government that he had already given to Benny Gantz, leader of the Blue and White party. Although Gantz was unable to form a coalition in the time given, Rivlin also indicated he would not be asking Netanyahu to try and do so at this time.

Instead, Rivlin gave Gantz and Netanyahu until midnight Monday to sign a coalition agreement. Should the two leaders fail, Rivlin said he would ask Knesset members to recommend someone from among their number to form a government. Rivlin said he would give such a mandate to the first MK who obtains over 61 recommendations.

Netanyahu is charged with seven counts of fraud and breach of trust. His trial was set to begin on March 17 but was delayed until May 24 in measures implemented to deal with the coronavirus pandemic. Netanyahu denies the charges, which he says are part of a political plot to remove him by the police, state prosecutors and opposition parties.

Under Israeli law, cabinet ministers must resign if charged with criminal offenses, but this provision does not extend to prime ministers.

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