Israeli attorney general clears Netanyahu to head new government

It was a dramatic day on Israel’s political scene. Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit wrote to the High Court today that in his opinion, there are no legal obstacles to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu forming the next government, despite the criminal charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust he is facing. Mandelblit also argued that despite the legal difficulties, the unity deal should be accepted and not invalidated by the court. The attorney general stated, “Despite the significant difficulties that arise in this matter, they do not constitute grounds for judicial intervention.” 

Hundreds of protesters demonstrated today outside the High Court in Jerusalem, both in favor and against Netanyahu, ahead of Mandelblit submitting his opinion and ahead of Sunday’s discussion.