Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared in court on Tuesday to testify in his ongoing trial on corruption charges. This marks a significant moment in the legal proceedings, as Netanyahu faces accusations of fraud, bribery, and breach of trust.
Throughout the trial, Netanyahu has maintained his innocence, dismissing the charges as a politically motivated “witch hunt” aimed at undermining him. During his testimony, he continued to assert his belief in his own innocence.
Netanyahu was formally indicted in 2019, becoming the first sitting prime minister in Israel to face criminal charges. The trial officially began in 2020 but has been delayed due to various factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the conflict with Hamas in 2023.
The charges against Netanyahu involve allegations of receiving illegal gifts, manipulating media coverage, and making regulatory decisions to benefit certain individuals in exchange for favorable treatment in the press. He is currently being questioned about all three cases.
During his testimony, Netanyahu expressed his disbelief at the accusations and emphasized his long political career. He criticized the media landscape in Israel, claiming bias against him despite the presence of pro-Netanyahu outlets.
Netanyahu also denied the importance of favorable media coverage to him, stating that he has always opposed the idea of a Palestinian state, despite suggestions that he could have garnered more support by changing his stance on the issue.
His testimony is expected to continue over several days, with sessions held three times a week. Security concerns have led to the trial taking place in an underground courtroom in Tel Aviv.
Supporters and protesters gathered outside the courthouse during Netanyahu’s testimony, while lawmakers from his Likud Party were present in the courtroom to show their support.