In opening statement of trial, with protests and counter-protests outside, lead prosecutor says PM abused his power to shape media reports, promote his personal affairs

As president meets party representatives over who to task with forming coalition, Netanyahu's trial gathers pace, with state prosecutor setting out case and key witness testifying

Evidence stage of trial against PM to begin Monday with 20-minute speech by prosecutor laying out charges of bribery, fraud, breach of trust

Judges give prime minister permission to leave courtroom after prosecution's opening arguments in the evidentiary phase of his corruption trial

Lawyers say Netanyahu should hear proceedings in person when evidentiary phase of corruption trial starts Monday, but acknowledge it's up to the court

Legal team claims premier had no contact with first witness to be called, rendering his presence unnecessary; hearing to coincide with coalition-building efforts

Court rejects defense request to cancel indictments; hearings to begin on April 5, less than two weeks after national vote, will be held three times a week

Report says PM phoned Arnon Milchan at least twice last year to thank him for letting his lawyer switch to his own defense team, expressed affection for movie mogul's family

Judges say no need to provide the full text of minutes from meetings during which the attorney general discussed investigations into the PM

PM warns of 'crude intervention in elections' if trial continues before March 23 vote, as defense layers ask for next stage in corruption case to be delayed by 3-4 months