Netanyahu corruption trial to resume after election

The Israeli prime minister is accused of bribery, breach of trust, and fraud

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to a member of his legal team before the start of a hearing in his corruption trial at Jerusalem's District Court. Reuters

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wearing a protective face mask, speaks to a member from his legal team before the start of a hearing in his corruption trial at Jerusalem's District Court. Reuters

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R) speaks with his lawyers prior to a hearing for his trial over alleged corruption crimes, at the Jerusalem district court, in Salah El-Din, East Jerusalem. Netanyahu returned to court to formally respond to charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust, just weeks ahead of the national elections. EPA

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R) arrives to attend a hearing for his trial over alleged corruption crimes, at the Jerusalem district court, in Salah El-Din, East Jerusalem. Netanyahu returned to court to formally respond to charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust, just weeks ahead of the national elections. EPA

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to a member of his legal team before the start of a hearing in his corruption trial at Jerusalem's District Court. Reuters

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R) arrives to attend a hearing for his trial over alleged corruption crimes, at the Jerusalem district court, in Salah El-Din, East Jerusalem. Netanyahu returned to court to formally respond to charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust, just weeks ahead of the national elections. EPA

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives for a hearing in his corruption trial at Jerusalem's District Court. Reuters

Protesters hold banners and placards as they demonstrate against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he attends a hearing in his corruption trial in Jerusalem. The Hebrew word on the placard reads, " You failed". Reuters

A demonstrator wearing a mask representing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gestures during a demonstration outside the court, as his corruption trial resumes in occupied east Jerusalem. AFP

Israelis demonstrate outside the court as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's corruption trial resumes in occupied east Jerusalem. AFP

The motorcade of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu en route to court in occupied east Jerusalem. AFP

The motorcade of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu drives through the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood on the way to court in occupied east Jerusalem. AFP

The corruption trial of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will resume only after voters head to the polls to pass judgment on his leadership next month, according to a court decision on Monday.

Mr Netanyahu was indicted in 2019 in long-running cases involving accusations of bribery, breach of trust, and fraud. There are allegations of gifts from millionaire friends, and that he sought regulatory favours for media tycoons, in return for favourable coverage in the press.

The charges against him have been a central issue during three elections in which no clear winner emerged. Israel will hold its fourth parliamentary election in two years on March 23.

This month he pleaded not guilty before a three-judge panel in a heavily guarded Jerusalem District Court.

The court ruled late on Monday that evidence in the trial would be heard starting on April 5.

Opinion polls show the race too close to call, as right-wing rivals and centre-left opponents seek to challenge Israel’s longest-serving leader. Mr Netanyahu has been prime minister continuously since 2009 after a first term from 1996 to 1999.

Mr Netanyahu is the first serving Israeli leader to be charged with a crime but seems intent on projecting an air of business as usual.

He has called his prosecution a political witch hunt.