manipulative prick, but still within his right to try and obfuscate the issue(s).
In any case, seen from purely moral/human point of view, it's a lose/lose situation.
Yet he may still win the elections big time.

when one is charged with an opportunity by the government to strip one of it's power, it would leave one defenseless without any political power to wield to make the outcome of the verdict to sway favorably to one's end game. Charge Netanyahu before elections will cause a huge dent now before one would fortify his fortress to stay in power.

... hoping to get elected, and avoid Jail.

Trump doing the same thing, demanding wall with shutdown of government, changing the headlines, hoping to get reelected to avoid Prosecution and Jail.