JERUSALEM: Israeli lawmakers on Wednesday rejected a bill targeting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that sought to block candidates under indictment from forming a future government. In a vote that highlighted the fragility of the premier´s coalition, Wednesday´s bill, proposed by opposition leader Yair Lapid, was defeated 53-37. Members of the Blue and White party, who are part of the coalition, abstained. Talk of a snap election is already widespread, just three months after the current government was formed. Netanyahu is on trial for bribery, fraud and breach of trust. He denies wrongdoing. Israeli law does not force a prime minister to step down after being indicted. Lapid argues that the only reason no such law exists is because it was previously inconceivable that a prime minister facing criminal charges would insist on remaining in office. The opposition asked Blue and White, led by defence minister and alternate premier Benny Gantz, to support its proposal. Gantz, who challenged Netanyahu in three straight elections before joining him in a unity government, campaigned aggressively against Netanyahu´s alleged corruption.
Former US president Donald Trump. — AFP NEW YORK: The judge overseeing former US president Donald Trump’s...
Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik. — AFP FileSARAJEVO: The parliament of Bosnia´s autonomous Serb Republic adopted...
Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks during the opening ceremony of the 6th China International Import...
Indonesia's Ruang volcano. — AFP JAKARTA: Indonesia shut a provincial airport and evacuated hundreds of people...
Myanmar’s detained former leader and Aung San Suu Kyi. — AFP LONDON: Myanmar’s detained former leader and Aung...
President Ruto is seen with the chief of the Kenya Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla in this photo on 28 February....