Netanyahu's 'unprecedented' corruption trial to open

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu makes an address at the president's residence in Jerusalem on April 17, 2019. PHOTO | MENAHEM KAHANA | AFP

A new page in Israeli history opens Sunday as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu becomes the first sitting premier to face criminal charges, accused of a string of corruption allegations he denies.

After more than 500 days of electoral deadlock in which he fought for his political survival Netanyahu is to take his seat in the Jerusalem District Court for a new battle -- to stay out of prison and avoid a stain on his legacy.