Tashkent, May 25 -- Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (May 24) became the first serving Israeli prime minister to go on trial, appearing in court on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust.

Netanyahu, 70, professed his innocence, saying the investigation against him was "tainted" and vowing that he would continue to lead the country.

The trial came exactly a week after he was sworn in to a record fifth term as head of an Israeli unity government, ending more than a year of political deadlock.

Israel's longest-serving prime minister was indicted in November in cases involving gifts from millionaire friends and for allegedly seeking regulatory favours for media tycoons in return for favourable coverage.

He appeared at Jerusalem Distric...