Crucial Test
The Israeli elections, held today on Tuesday, place Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's future to a crucial test, amid a decline in his camp's polling ahead of the vote. Netanyahu, considered the longest-serving prime minister in Israeli history having held the post for over 17 years, faces domestic corruption charges and international accusations of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Legal and International Challenges
The end of his term could see Netanyahu (77 years old) face the continuation of his trial on three corruption cases involving charges of bribery, breach of trust, and fraud, which would result in imprisonment if convicted. Additionally, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against Netanyahu in November 2024 for war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip. The International Court of Justice is examining a case filed by South Africa accusing Israel of committing genocide.
Political Career
Netanyahu was born in Tel Aviv on October 21, 1949, becoming the first Israeli prime minister born in Israel. Netanyahu was elected in 1993 to lead the Likud party and became prime minister for the first time in 1996. In December 2022, he was elected prime minister for the sixth time, leading the current government formed by the far right.
War and Criticism
Netanyahu launched several wars on Gaza during his governments' tenures, the longest of which began in October 2023. The opposition accuses Netanyahu of autocracy and responsibility for the failure regarding the October 7 attack, while he refuses to accept any part of the responsibility. Netanyahu and his government also boast of being among the strongest supporters of settlement expansion in the occupied Palestinian territories and reject the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Source: Anadolu Agency
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