Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday dismissed the allegations against him as he testified in court for the first time in his corruption case.
Netanyahu, who has repeatedly sought to delay his court appearance, is the first sitting prime minister of Israel to face a criminal trial.
He faces charges of bribery, fraud and breach of public trust in three separate cases.
At Tuesday’s hearing, the Israeli premier took to the stand, responding to the allegations and testimonies made against him, including from former close aides.
Outside the court supporters of the prime minister chanted “Netanyahu, the people support you”, while protesters chanted “Bibi to prison”.
Netanyahu dismissed the accusations as he spoke in court.
When asked how much the charges bothered him, he said: “If I tell you it’s a drop in the sea that would be an exaggeration”.
“I’m busy with matters of world importance.”
On Monday, at a press conference, he said he had been waiting for years to present his side
