Hello and welcome to the Intelligence on Economist Radio. I'm your host, Jason Palmer.

Every weekday, we provide a fresh perspective on the events shaping your world.

In France, a bill to allow fertility treatments for single and gay women has sparked furious opposition.

It's a tricky situation for President Emmanuel Macron and his signature social reform.

Yet politically, it's a risk he can't afford not to take.

And the South Korean beauty industry has gone global by making cosmetics fun and Instagram friendly.

But the country's largest beauty retailer is struggling because of political disputes, online competition, and a social push to go make up free.

First up, though.

Usually in Israel, the week of Rasha Shana, the Jewish New Year, is a tranquil holiday time.

Not this year. For one thing, a new stage is beginning in a legal fight against Prime Minister

biniman Netanyahu. Several days of hearings began this week. Prosecutors will decide whether

criminal charges will follow a range of corruption allegations, including accepting piles of luxury

goods, allegations that Mr. Netanyahu has repeatedly denied. The case is ratcheting up just as Mr. Netanyahu's political future is looking very uncertain.

After he failed to form a government earlier this year and forced a second election last month,

his Lakud Party lost seats in the Israeli parliament, the Knesset.

His post-vote speech called for a strong government without the support of Arab parties.

But he did not claim victory.

Benjamin Netanyahu is now the obstacle to any stable government being formed in Israel.

He does not have a majority to form a government.

And at the same time, he's nearing the day of judgment when he may have to face a court

and answer for his alleged crimes. Antiole Feffer is the economist's Israel correspondent.

He's been following this week's hearings.

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