Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accused of corruption, has requested that his trial be postponed. In a letter sent today to the relevant court in Jerusalem, which the AFP news agency could see, Netanyahu’s lawyers said they „had not yet received all the documents related to the investigation.“ They demanded that the start of the trial scheduled for March 17 be postponed by 45 days.
Netanyahu is charged with bribery, fraud and infidelity. He denies all allegations made by the public prosecutor.
Netanyahu’s Likud party emerged as the strongest force in the general election a week ago. It was therefore expected that Netanyahu would be asked to form a government while facing trial for corruption.
According to Israeli law, a prosecuted head of government can remain in office, but he has to resign only after a final conviction. Opposition MPs in the Knesset are considering a bill that would prevent accused politicians from forming a government.
