Monday’s appearance was the second before Netanyahu in court since he formally began his corruption trial in May.
Netanyahu, wearing a black mask, entered court shortly after 9 a.m. and stood up to confirm that the reasons for not guilty, previously presented in writing by his lawyers, represented his response to the charges.
“I confirm the written response filed on my behalf,” the prime minister told the judges.
Netanyahu, who is the first incumbent Israeli prime minister to appear in court as a defendant, is charged in three separate cases.
In the worst case, Netanyahu is accused of advancing regulatory profits worth more than 1 billion shekels (more than $ 300 million) in favor of a telecommunications company controlled by a millionaire friend, according to prosecutors . In return, Netanyahu received favorable coverage from a news site, even influencing news writing and selection, according to prosecutors.
Monday’s court session is also discussing the trial schedule, particularly when full evidentiary proceedings should be conducted.
Israelis vote in general election in six weeks and in a possible indication of the prime minister’s desire to delay the opening of the prosecution and the summoning of witnesses, one of his most loyal allies in the party has asked judges postponing new hearings until after the vote on March 23.
Allowing the trials to continue at this time would constitute “serious interference in the electoral process by the judiciary,” parliamentary speaker Yariv Levin told Israel’s Hayom newspaper on Sunday.
Outside the court, dozens of anti-Netanyahu protesters gathered, many with the already known “crime minister” posters.
His followers were also in numbers, one of them carrying a banner that said, “You will never walk alone, Netanyahu.”
On Sunday evening, the prime minister issued a statement urging fans to stay home because of the pandemic.
“I know you want to give me strength in the face of confusing and false cases against me. But we are in a time of mutation that is spreading in the world, even in Israel, so I ask you for your health. Come tomorrow,” he said. the statement.
He continued in that statement to reiterate his claim that his trial represents a coup-like attempt to remove him from office.
“Everyone understands that this is a transparent attempt to overthrow a powerful right-wing prime minister and therefore make a left-wing government led by [opposition leader Yair] Lapid “.
Under Israeli law, Netanyahu is not to resign even though he is now on trial. Only if he is convicted and any conviction is upheld through the appeals process will he be forced to resign.