Netanyahu battles to survive

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may eventually be proved right when he insists his indictment on corruption charges is the result of a leftist “witch-hunt” against him and his Likud party ahead of Israel’s April 9 elections. But instead of railing against what he sees as iniquities in the widely respected judicial system, he should try to persuade voters he is innocent of the charges brought by Attorney-General Avichai Mandelblit, who once was one of the Prime Minister’s closest aides.

The 79-page indictment has created serious problems for Mr Netanyahu as he seeks a record fifth term. His right-wing coalition has been overtaken in the polls by the new centrist Blue and White party alliance led by former armed forces chief Benny Gantz.

Read the editorial in The Australian.