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.

It was the first time the attorney general has given his opinion on the matter. Until the signing of the unity deal, Mandelblit had demurred, saying that the issue was theoretical and discussions were premature. In the past two weeks, the High Court has received several petitions against Netanyahu forming a next government and leading it while under indictment. The court is expected to discuss the issue on May 2 in an expended panel of 11 justices. The discussion is expected to be broadcast live from the courthouse.

Legal experts think it unlikely for the court to rule against the opinion of the attorney general. If the court does accept it on Sunday, the road would be clear for Netanyahu to form a unity government with Blue and White leader Benny Gantz. The two concluded a deal for a national unity government on April 20 and must formalize it before May 7 by presenting their new government to the Knesset and receiving the backing of a parliamentary majority.