ISRAELI Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised today to fight the multiple allegations of corruption against him as he began testifying in his long-running trial.

He became the first sitting Israeli leader to take the stand as a criminal defendant.

The testimony is another low point for Israel’s longest-serving leader, who also faces an international arrest warrant for alleged war crimes in Israel’s war in Gaza.

In his opening testimony in a packed Tel Aviv courtroom, Mr Netanyahu argued that he was a dedicated leader and a defender of Israel’s interests, swatting away the charges against him as a “drop in the sea” compared to the challenges he has faced protecting his country.

Mr Netanyahu said he could balance appearing at his trial with his duties as prime minister at a time when Israel is still fighting a war in Gaza a bombing campaign that, despite a ceasefire, continues in Lebanon and an invasion into neighbouring Syria.

“I waited eight years for this moment, to say the truth,” Mr Netanyahu said, standing at a podium with his son Avner and several members of his Likud party seated on the courtroom benches. 

He said his testimony would “poke holes in the absurd accusations.”

Mr Netanyahu must answer charges of fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes in three separate cases.

He is accused of accepting tens of thousands of dollars worth of cigars and champagne from a billionaire Hollywood producer in exchange for assistance with personal and business interests. 

The prime minister said he smoked cigars but could hardly finish them because of his workload and said he hated champagne.

He is also accused of promoting advantageous regulations for media moguls in exchange for favourable coverage of himself and his family.

Mr Netanyahu denies wrongdoing, saying the charges are a witch-hunt orchestrated by a hostile media and a biased legal system out to topple his lengthy rule.