Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made his first appearance on the stand in his corruption trial, vehemently rejecting the charges against him as “absurd.” Facing allegations of bribery, fraud, and breach of public trust in three separate cases, Netanyahu denied any wrongdoing and criticized the Israeli media for their coverage of the trial.
During the four-hour testimony, Netanyahu highlighted the challenges of serving as both prime minister and defending himself in court. He emphasized his role in leading the country through various crises, including the ongoing conflict with Gaza.
Critics have accused Netanyahu of prolonging the assault on Gaza to maintain his grip on power, while protesters outside the court called for a ceasefire deal to secure the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza. The ongoing conflict has resulted in the deaths of thousands, mainly women and children, in Gaza.
Netanyahu’s trial stems from three cases filed in 2019, involving allegations of accepting gifts in exchange for personal favors and seeking regulatory favors for favorable media coverage. The prosecution has portrayed him as an image-conscious leader who broke the law to enhance his public image.
The trial is expected to continue for several weeks, with Netanyahu testifying for six hours a day, three days a week. A verdict is not expected until 2026, and Netanyahu has the option to appeal to the Supreme Court. The trial has raised questions about Netanyahu’s ability to effectively govern the country amidst the legal proceedings and multiple national challenges.
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Photo credit www.aljazeera.com
