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Benny Gantz trapped over Netanyahu’s trial

Defense Minister Benny Gantz and his Blue and White party did not realize in time that the trial of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would also hurt them.
Blue and White party leader Benny Gantz seen during election campaign in Ramat Gan on February 25.
After 99 percent of votes counted, right-wing bloc led by Likud's Benjamin Netanyahu obtained 58 seats but 3 are missing to get a clear majority.
Israeli PM Netanyahu says today that Gantz is 'linking up with terrorists' supporters' alluding at possible union with Arab Alliance Joint List.
On Wednesday, March 4, 2020, in Jerusalem, Israel. (Photo by Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

In his worst nightmares, Blue and White Chairman and Defense Minister Benny Gantz could not have imagined the major damage that would be inflicted on him on the opening day of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s trial on May 24.

Netanyahu delivered his “J’accuse” speech on a live broadcast to the cameras only moments before he entered the Jerusalem District Court. It was his indictment of Israel’s law enforcement system, which he accused of persecuting and “framing” him. For several but seemingly endless minutes, while standing in front of mask-wearing silent Likud ministers, the prime minister hurled poison darts at the police and the state prosecution office.

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