Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has taken the stand for the first time in his ongoing corruption trial, firmly rejecting the charges against him. Netanyahu faces allegations of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in three separate cases, making him the first sitting prime minister in Israel’s history to be tried in court.
Outside the courtroom, supporters rallied with chants of “Netanyahu, the people support you,” while protesters called for his imprisonment.
During his testimony, Netanyahu downplayed the accusations, remarking, “If I tell you it’s a drop in the sea, that would be an exaggeration. I’m busy with matters of world importance.”
At a press conference prior to the hearing, he expressed his frustration with the lengthy legal process. “For eight years, I’ve waited for this moment to expose the truth and dismantle these absurd accusations,” he said, dismissing the charges as a politically motivated “witch hunt.”
The Allegations
The first case accuses Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, of accepting luxury gifts worth over $260,000 from wealthy benefactors, including Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan and Australian businessman James Packer, in exchange for political favors.
The other two cases involve allegations of Netanyahu seeking favorable media coverage. In one, he is accused of attempting to strike a deal with Yedioth Ahronoth publisher Arnon Mozes, offering to weaken a rival publication in return for positive coverage. The second alleges that he granted regulatory benefits to a telecom company owned by Shaul Elovitch in exchange for favorable stories on the Walla news website.
Public Reactions
Protests have accompanied the trial, with demonstrators calling for accountability. “If found guilty, Netanyahu should face the same justice as any other citizen,” said one protester.
The trial has been a source of national tension, with critics accusing Netanyahu of exploiting his position to delay proceedings and avoid accountability. His government has also faced backlash for attempting to pass legislation that critics argue would weaken judicial independence.
A Historic Moment
Yohanan Plesner, president of the Israel Democracy Institute, described the trial as a significant turning point. “This is not just about Netanyahu; it’s about the integrity of Israel’s institutions,” he said, highlighting the conflict of interest between Netanyahu’s role as prime minister and his status as a defendant.
While previous Israeli leaders, such as Ehud Olmert, have faced criminal convictions, Netanyahu’s case stands out as he remains in office, battling both legal challenges and the responsibilities of governance. The trial, which began in 2020, is expected to continue for several months, with appeals likely to extend the process further.
