Israeli PM takes stand in corruption trial
- 10 December, 12:08
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared in court on Tuesday to testify in his ongoing corruption trial.
Outside the courthouse, a crowd gathered, including both anti-Netanyahu protesters and his supporters, while some right-wing lawmakers attended the session, held in an underground chamber for security reasons.
Netanyahu faces accusations of accepting cigars and champagne worth tens of thousands of dollars from a Hollywood billionaire in exchange for helping with his personal and business interests. Additionally, he is accused of pushing favorable regulations for media tycoons in return for positive media coverage of himself and his family.
The Prime Minister denies any wrongdoing, describing the charges as a politically motivated witch hunt orchestrated by a hostile media and a biased legal system aimed at ending his long tenure. His testimony marks the culmination of years of scandals involving him and his family.
"I've waited eight years for this day. Eight years to tell the truth. Eight years to dismantle these false and absurd charges once and for all," Netanyahu declared ahead of his testimony. "These investigations were unjust from the start. There was no crime, so they invented one."
Under Israeli law, a prime minister under indictment is not required to resign. However, the charges have caused significant divisions in the country, with many protesters calling for Netanyahu to step down and former political allies refusing to work with him, leading to a political crisis and five elections in less than four years, starting in 2019.
The trial, which has been delayed numerous times since it began in May 2020, is expected to continue for several months, with potential appeals further extending the process.
