Netanyahu seeks immunity from corruption charges, buying time until after vote
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday said he will ask parliament to grant him immunity from corruption charges, a step expected to delay his trial for months.
The step would most likely put the trial on hold until after elections in March, when he would get a third shot at staying in office, and hopes to win a majority coalition that would shield him from prosecution.
Netanyahu was indicted in November on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust after failing to assemble a governing majority following back-to-back-elections last year.
Wednesday’s announcement essentially turns the election campaign into a referendum on whether Netanyahu should be granted immunity and remain in office, or step down to stand trial.
A recent poll indicated a majority of Israelis opposed giving him immunity.
In a nationally televised address, Netanyahu repeated his assertion that he is the victim of an unfair conspiracy and that he would seek to invoke the law that would protect him from prosecution while he remains in office.
«In order to continue to lead Israel to great achievements, I intend to approach the speaker of the Knesset in accordance with chapter 4C of the law, in order to fulfill my right, my duty and my mission to continue to serve you for the future of Israel,» he said.
The request most likely means that parliament will address the matter after March elections.
The current caretaker government is not empowered to make a decision on granting Netanyahu immunity.
In order to debate the matter, parliament would have to appoint a special committee that needs to study the request. But it remains unclear whether it will be allowed to do so.
