While his political allies battle across town for him to get first crack at building next gov't, PM appears in court for the opening of the evidence stage of his corruption trial

PM says probe against him was illegally opened with goal of removing him from power, claims cops, prosecutors trying 'to trample democracy... attempting to annul electorate's will'

Ilan Yeshua details orders to fire top editor, bury negative stories, smear rivals, all coming from PM's aides; says Walla owners made clear their business interests were at stake

In Israel, only the justice minister can okay extraditions, allow people out of jail early or approve government legislation. It's been nearly a week since Israel has had one

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

Mandelblit says ongoing situation in which multiple government offices are headed by interim ministers hurts and limits work bureaucrats are able to do