The Big Picture

Leaders of Israeli coalition parties have openly rejected any attempts to declare Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu temporarily unfit to govern while he testifies in his ongoing corruption trial. This decisive stand underscores their commitment to uphold the choices made by the Israeli populace through the democratic process.

Why This Matters

The move to regard the Prime Minister as unfit, even on a temporary basis, is not grounded in legal foundation, according to the coalition. Their rejection of this notion emphasizes the importance of democracy and the principle that only elected representatives in the Knesset have the authority to determine leadership roles in Israel.

The Support for Netanyahu

The coalition, including prominent figures like Justice Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Yariv Levin and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, assert that removing Netanyahu, even briefly, constitutes a coup. Netanyahu’s presence is deemed crucial for steering Israel’s security and diplomatic efforts — a matter of national interest.

The Trial Context

Netanyahu, who faces multiple charges in his graft trial, such as bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, has highlighted the challenges of managing testifying duties amidst wartime commitments. The Jerusalem District Court ruled that Netanyahu’s testimony will proceed despite these challenges.

Moving Forward

If pressing conditions force Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara to propose temporary transferal of Netanyahu’s responsibilities during testimony, coalition partners note that such decisions must prioritize Israel’s foremost need for stable governance during times of conflict.

The Democratic Stance

The coalition insists that any political maneuverings to sideline Netanyahu should not undermine the collective electoral choice. They remain vigilant in defending the democratic institutions that allow the citizens of Israel to determine their leadership through the Knesset.

This story was first published on ynetnews.com.