Netanyahu’s fate to be determined by COVID-19, not corruption trial - Al-Monitor: The Middle Eastʼs leading independent news source since 2012

Mazal Mualem

Mazal Mualem

Feb 9, 2021

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R) talks with his lawyer ahead of a hearing in his corruption trial at the Jerusalem district court, on Feb. 8, 2021. Netanyahu denied corruption charges against him in a brief court appearance six weeks before Israel's fourth national election inside two years. — REUVEN CASTRO/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

On the morning of Feb. 8, cameras followed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for 20 minutes in Jerusalem District Court. He came for the opening deliberations for the evidence stage in his bribery trial.

Netanyahu arrived exactly on time, escorted by his lawyer and media adviser. When the opening of the session was delayed, Netanyahu could have chosen to wait in a side room. But instead, he chose to remain, visible to all.

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