Israel's top court heard challenges Monday to a power-sharing coalition deal that would see Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu serve a controversial fifth term. 

After three inconclusive elections, Netanyahu’s Likud and opposition leader Benny Gantz’ Blue and White parties reached an unprecedented agreement last month to end a year of political deadlock in the country. Under the proposed deal, Netanyahu would serve as premier for the first 18 months before handing the reins to Gantz, who would then act as prime minister with Netanyahu as his deputy.   

In hearings broadcast live on Monday, 11 judges on the High Court of Justice heard eight separate petitions challenging the former rivals' unity deal, which critics say would unlawfully protect Netanyahu from prosecution in his upcoming corruption trial. 

The prime minister, who resisted calls to step down ahead of his May 24 trial date, is facing criminal charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust. The investigation alleges Israel’s longest-serving prime minister accepted lavish gifts from wealthy businessmen and offered regulatory favors to media tycoons in exchange for favorable coverage.