Israeli prime minister may be near the end of the road

Significance

This is the first time a sitting premier has faced criminal charges. The decision has been looming for several months and comes as the country risks heading towards a third election in the space of a year, absent a last-minute deal to form a coalition.

Impacts

• Netanyahu’s removal would not lead to immediate policy changes, which are more dependent on the eventual composition of the next coalition.
• If Netanyahu survives, the next election will be defined by polarising claims of a conspiracy against him.
• Right-wing political leaders’ relationship with the judiciary and police will further sour.