Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has finally taken the stand in his corruption trial, four years after the charges were first filed against him. The trial is centered on claims that Netanyahu gave regulatory favors and diplomatic support to prominent businessmen in exchange for gifts, including cigars and Champagne.
Netanyahu, who has denied all charges, appeared before a packed courtroom in Tel Aviv, where he was interviewed by his own lawyer, Amit Haddad. The hearing lasted several hours, during which Netanyahu described his busy schedule as prime minister and claimed that he had little time to devote to corrupt activity or the trial itself.
Netanyahu’s lawyers have argued that the prosecution has failed to provide sufficient evidence against their client, while prosecutors claim that the evidence will reveal a pattern of corruption and abuse of power. The trial is expected to continue for years, with Netanyahu likely taking the stand several times a week for several months.
The trial comes at a sensitive time, as Israel is embroiled in a war in Gaza. Many have criticized Netanyahu’s handling of the conflict, and the International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for him, accusing him of war crimes during the ongoing war.
As Netanyahu faced off against corruption charges, demonstrators gathered outside the courthouse, calling for a cease-fire and criticizing the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza. The trial is seen as a test of Netanyahu’s fitness to remain in office, and his chances of being re-elected appear increasingly uncertain.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/10/world/middleeast/israel-netanyahu-corruption-trial-testimony.html