Israel’s new coalition government’s swearing-in ceremony to be held on May 13

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s indictment on corruption charges does not disqualify him from forming a government, Israel’s Supreme Court said on Wednesday.

In its ruling against opposition petitioners, the Supreme Court also found that Netanyahu’s unity government deal with his election rival Benny Gantz does not violate the law, dismissing arguments that it unlawfully shields him in a corruption trial.

In unanimous rulings, the 11-justice panel “found no legal basis to prevent Knesset member Netanyahu from forming the government”.

In a joint statement issued on Wednesday night, Netanyahu’s Likud party and Gantz’s Blue and White said they would hold a swearing-in ceremony for their government on May 13, “following the completion of the legislative process this evening”.

Netanyahu, 70, was indicted in January on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust. He denies any wrongdoing in all three cases. His trial is set to open on May 24.