Benjamin Netanyahu asks for immunity from prosecution
Middle East correspondent Tom Bateman explains the allegations against Benjamin Netanyahu
Mr Netanyahu, who denies wrongdoing, would need the support of more than half of MPs for immunity to be granted.Mr Netanyahu - who is the country's longest serving leader - is alleged to have accepted gifts from wealthy businessmen and dispensed favours to try to get more positive press coverage. He said it"would be in line with the law... with the goal of continuing to serve you, for the future of Israel".A trial cannot begin once an immunity request is made and the Israeli parliament, the Knesset - which has been dissolved ahead of fresh elections - is unlikely to rule on the request before then.A sitting prime minister in Israel is only required to step down once convicted.
Mr Netanyahu's legal problems were a big obstacle to negotiations. He has always insisted the charges are a politically motivated"witch-hunt" against him.Netanyahu's rival for the premiership, Benny Gantz, vowed that his Blue and White party would do everything it could to prevent immunity.
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