Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was indicted on corruption charges Jan. 28, just before the premier was set to meet with President Donald Trump at the White House for the unveiling of the long-awaited US peace plan.

Israeli Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit filed the indictment against Netanyahu in three cases involving corruption, breach of trust and fraud. The formal charges were submitted to the Jerusalem District Court mere hours after Netanyahu announced from Washington, DC, that he was withdrawing a request for the Knesset to grant him immunity. His decision came after it became clear he would lose the vote and not receive immunity. The move launches the process for a trial against the leader that will likely start in a few weeks, shortly before or after the March legislative elections.

Why it matters:  The trial will have a direct impact on Israeli politics, which has been facing a deadlock since the country has failed to produce a government following two consecutive legislative elections. In both polls, Netanyahu’s Likud, along with its right-wing bloc, has earned roughly the same number of seats as the Blue and White party headed by former army chief Benny Gantz.

Netanyahu claims he is on a mission to bring security to Israel, with Trump’s peace plan — often referred to as the “deal of the century” — giving Israel the option to annex West Bank settlements. That plan is his proof of the need to establish a unity government that will be able to approve the deal with a wide majority.