Netanyahu says charges against him are 'ocean of absurdity' in bribery trial

A combative Benjamin Netanyahu has become the first Israeli prime minister to take the stand as the defendant in a criminal trial for corruption as he assailed the accusations against him as an "ocean of absurdity".

- Peter Beaumont

"I have waited eight years for this moment, to say the truth as I remember it, which is important for justice," said Netanyahu, who wore a blue suit with a flag of Israel on one lapel and the yellow ribbon symbol of Israel's hostages in Gaza on the other.

"But I am also a prime minister. I am leading the country through a seven-front war. And I think the two can be done in parallel."

Criticising media and investigators, Netanyahu gave often tangential testimony, veering between self-aggrandising, as he emphasised his international importance, and painting himself and his family as victims.

Netanyahu assailed the Israeli media for what he called its leftist stance and accused journalists of hounding him for years because his policies did not align with a push for a Palestinian state.

Charged with fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes in three separate cases, Netanyahu is expected in the first instance to be questioned by his defence lawyer for several days.