Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday asked parliament to grant him immunity from prosecution in three corruption cases, sending a letter to the speaker of the Knesset.

The move means criminal proceedings against him will be delayed for months since a trial cannot be held once a request for immunity has been made.

A decision on granting or rejecting immunity for Netanyahu will likely not be made before Israel's next general election in early March.

The 70-year-old right-wing leader was indicted in November over charges of fraud, breach of trust and bribery. It was the first time in Israel's history that a sitting prime minister had been charged.

'Sad day for Israel'

In a speech announcing his decision, Netanyahu said he was entitled to parliament's protection, claiming that the criminal charges against him were politically motivated. He has frequently denied any wrongdoing, asserting that he is the victim of a conspiracy to oust him.

"I want to lead Israel for many more years to achieve historical successes," Netanyahu said.

Watch video 00:37 Netanyahu hustled from stage under rocket fire

Benny Gantz, the head of the centrist Blue and White party and Netanyahu's main political rival, called Netanyahu's announcement a "sad day for Israel."

He accused the prime minister of acting out of personal interest and not out of consideration for the future of Israel.

"Netanyahu knows that he is guilty," Gantz said.

Read more: Benjamin Netanyahu fights to preserve power in Israel

Political deadlock

The move has also come amid deep political deadlock in Israel, with the country facing its third general election within 12 months.

In order to secure immunity, Netanyahu needs the support of 61 out of 120 lawmakers in the Knesset — the same majority that has evaded him in attempts to form a government following elections in April and September.

Under normal circumstances, a parliamentary committee would be formed to decide on the immunity issue and then be put up for a vote in the Knesset.

However, Israel is currently being run by a caretaker government — with parliament limited in its ability to act on certain issues. It remains unclear whether the current parliament would be allowed to form the committee needed to make a decision on immunity.

Netanyahu's bid for immunity will likely dominate campaigning for the upcoming election. A recent opinion poll showed that a majority of Israelis oppose Netanyahu being granted immunity.

rs/se (AP, dpa, Reuters)

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