After PM accuses police, prosecutors of inventing 'baseless cases' and claims Mandelblit may have 'something to hide,' attorney general says arguments will only be heard in court

As his trial opens, the premier avoids dreaded photo of himself sitting humbled on the defendants' bench, instead releasing shot in which he is surrounded by fellow Likud MKs

7 of the PM's party's newly appointed ministers stood by his side as he castigated the judiciary minutes before his trial opened; one more lobbied for him nearby; 5 stayed away

PM's pre-hearing claim that charges against him are part of a coup bid was familiar. What was new was the array of colleagues around him, and a striking omission from his remarks

Premier sits mostly silent through opening hearing, face hidden behind face mask; confirms he has read graft charges against him, as hundreds rally outside Jerusalem District Court

PM's allies claim the right-wing and the marginalized are in the dock with him; opponents say the rule of law is at stake; come the day, how will half the country handle defeat?

From Sunday, the only audience that matters for a brilliantly persuasive premier is 3 District Court judges... unless he musters the power, as ex-Italian PM did, to change the law

Sunday's opening hearing will mark the first time in Israel’s history that a serving prime minister faces criminal charges in court. Here's what's expected to take place