Isreal Set to formally Name Netanyahu next Israeli PM Despite Withstanding Corruption Charges

Israel is set to formally name Benjamin Netanyahu for a fifth term as Israeli prime minister Wednesday, but his potential indictment for corruption will hang over tough coalition negotiations in the days ahead.

Despite a strong challenge from a centrist alliance in last week’s elections, Netanyahu emerged victorious with the help of allied right-wing parties that give him enough support to form a governing coalition.

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Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, who must choose which parliament member should form the next government, held consultations with political parties this week on their recommendations.

Netanyahu received the support of 65 of 120 parliament members to remain prime minister, and Rivlin is expected to announce his selection on Wednesday night.

He will have 28 days to form a government with a possible extension of a further two weeks.

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The results from the April 9 election put Netanyahu on course to become Israel’s longest-serving prime minister later this year, surpassing founding father David Ben-Gurion, but numerous risks lie ahead.

The 69-year-old’s first task will be to reconcile divergent demands from his likely coalition partners.

Netanyahu’s outgoing government was seen as the most right-wing in Israel’s history, and the next is expected to be similar if not further to the right.

The coming months are also expected to see the unveiling of US President Donald Trump’s long-awaited plan for Israeli-Palestinian peace.

Trump has shown no sign so far that he would be willing to make significant demands of his close ally Netanyahu in connection with his plan, though even minor concessions to the Palestinians could lead to criticism from far-right coalition partners.

But the biggest danger hanging over Netanyahu is his potential indictment on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust.

– ‘Everyone’s prime minister’ –

(The coming months are also expected to see the unveiling of US President Donald Trump’s long-awaited plan for Israeli-Palestinian peace. © AFP/File / NICHOLAS KAMM

The attorney general has announced his intention to indict Netanyahu pending an upcoming hearing. He would be the first sitting prime minister to be indicted.

Many analysts said one of Netanyahu’s main motivations in moving toward early elections last week was to be able to confront the charges with a fresh electoral mandate behind him.

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