Israeli PM to Seek Immunity on Corruption Charges

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday he would request immunity from prosecution in three graft cases. Netanyahu was indicted in November on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of public trust. In a speech televised live, just four hours before a deadline by which an immunity request must be made, he announced his intention to seek immunity and said the charges were politically motivated and baseless. An immunity request must be considered by the Knesset House Committee, which has not been formed by the current Knesset due to Israel’s protracted political crisis. Ultimately, immunity can only be granted with the support of 61 MKs – a majority of the 120-seat legislature. It may be difficult for the prime minister to achieve this, but making the request is itself an effective stalling tactic that could delay criminal proceedings against him for months. It’s also a politically risky move, given that competing politicians will say it makes the prime minister, who has always maintained his innocence, look like he has something to hide.