In a speech outside the court, the prime minister said that he "keeps his head high" and that the process aims to "put me off, at all costs".

"It's quite unique," says Isabell Schierenbeck, professor of political science at the University of Gothenburg, about the trial that has now begun.

- Few Israelis probably thought that this could happen, even though Israeli politics measured by Swedish standards are very chaotic.

It was only a few weeks ago that Benjamin Netanyahu's new coalition government with Benny Gantz swore in and set the point for over a year of political stalemate in Israel. But now the spotlight is on the corruption charges that have shadowed the Israeli prime minister in recent years.

Want to escape

The trial was supposed to have started in March, but was postponed because of the restrictions imposed to tackle the coronavirus.

- So far he has not been significantly damaged politically by this. But if pictures of him are wired out while sitting in the courtroom and receiving the charges, it might hurt him, says Schierenbeck.

- Netanyahu thinks about the democratic system and wants to be treated differently and not have to attend the first day. But the prosecutor has pointed out that there is equality before the law, even for prime ministers.

Expensive gifts

Netanyahu is charged with bribery, fraud and infidelity in three corruption cases.

The prime minister thus believes that he is subject to a politically orchestrated witch hunt. He is supported by his loyal followers on the right, who seem to remain by his side no matter what happens.

If he is convicted of bribery, Netanyahu faces 10 years in prison and up to three years for fraud and infidelity. But he can remain as prime minister during the process, which also applies if he is convicted and appealed - a process that can take many years.

- He is probably quite likely to end up in prison. The fact that his case has been taken so far indicates that the prosecutor has clear evidence of the charges. Otherwise, they wouldn't do this, says Schierenbeck.

- But the trial can take several years because it involves so many and serious charges. And Netanyahu will probably try to slow down and prevent the process.