Monday’s appearance was Netanyahu’s second in court since his corruption trial officially began in May.
Netanyahu, dressed in a black mask, entered court shortly after 9 a.m. and confirmed that his plea of innocence, filed earlier in writing by his lawyers, was his response to the allegations.
“I confirm the written answer sent on my behalf,” the prime minister told the judges.
Netanyahu, who is the first Israeli prime minister at the hearing to appear in court as a defendant, is charged in three separate cases.
In the worst case, Netanyahu is accused of advancing regulatory benefits of more than 1 billion shekels (more than $ 300 million) in favor of a telecommunications company controlled by a millionaire friend, prosecutors say. Instead, Netanyahu received favorable coverage from a news site, even influencing the wording and selection of articles, prosecutors say.
Monday’s court hearing also discusses the timing of the trial, especially when full evidentiary proceedings should take place.
Israelis vote in general election in six weeks and in a possible indication of the prime minister’s desire to delay the opening of criminal proceedings and the summoning of witnesses, one of his most loyal party allies called on judges to postpone further hearings until after they vote on March 23.
Allowing the proceedings to continue at this time would be “a serious interference in the electoral process by the judiciary,” parliamentary speaker Yariv Levin told Israel Hayom on Sunday.
Dozens of anti-Netanyahu protesters gathered outside the courthouse, many carrying placards of the already known “crime minister.”
His supporters were also in large numbers, one of them carrying a banner that said, “You will never go alone, Netanyahu.”
On Sunday night, the prime minister issued a statement urging supporters to stay home because of the pandemic.
“I know you want to give me strength in the face of sewn and fake cases against me. But we are in a time of mutation that is spreading in the world, even in Israel, so for your health I ask you – do not come tomorrow “, it is said in the statement.
He went on to say in his statement that his trial was a coup attempt to remove him from office.
“Everyone understands that this is a transparent attempt to overthrow a powerful right-wing prime minister and thus make a left-wing government led by [opposition leader Yair] Lapid. “
Under Israeli law, Netanyahu must not resign, even if he is now on trial. Only if he is convicted and any conviction is confirmed by the appeal process, he will be forced to resign.