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Netanyahu asks to be excused from showing up at corruption trial

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose new government was sworn in Sunday, is trying to avoid having to appear before the court at the start of his corruption trial Sunday.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a swearing in ceremony of his new unity government with election rival Benny Gantz, at the Knesset, Israel's parliament, in Jerusalem May 17, 2020. Adina Valman/Knesset Spokesperson's Office/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. MANDATORY CREDIT - RC2DQG9LVAEP

Days into his fifth term, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked to skip his scheduled court appearance at the opening of his corruption trial Sunday, Israeli media report. 

Netanyahu, the country’s first sitting prime minister to be tried in court, was indicted in November on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust. The investigation alleges Netanyahu accepted lavish gifts from wealthy businessmen and offered regulatory favors to media tycoons in exchange for favorable media coverage. 

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