Netanyahu asks for immunity from corruption charges

Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Wednesday his decision to file a request for legal parliamentary immunity from prosecution in corruption charges he’s facing.
In November, Netanyahu was charged by the attorney general with bribery, breach of trust and fraud in three separate cases.
Denying any wrongdoing, Netanyahu had signalled that he would not need to seek immunity from Knesset, Israeli Parliament, as the charges against him were a politically motivated “witch-hunt”, which would not hold up.
“I will come to court and quash all the ridiculous libels against me”, said Netanyahu.
His decision will delay the trial at least after Israel’s third national elections within a year, scheduled for March 2, as no trial can begin, once the immunity request is made.
To be granted the immunity, Netanyahu needs to secure the votes of more than half of the Knesset’s members. Under Israeli law, a sitting PM is only required to step down once convicted.
In light of recent developments in the Middle East with the US airstrikes killing Qassem Soleimani, head of Iran’s elite Quds Force, early on Friday, Netanyahu had to shorten his trip in Greece to return to Israel.
Cyprus, Israel and Greece signed on Thursday a major energy agreement on the EastMed gas pipeline, aiming at enhancing trilateral cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean.