JERUSALEM, Dec 11 (NNN-MA’AN) – Israeli regime’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, testified for the first time yesterday, in his long-running corruption trial, marking a pivotal moment in the case, as he manages a war in Gaza and faces an international arrest warrant for alleged war crimes.
Netanyahu faces charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. According to an indictment, filed more than five years ago, he is accused of advancing favourable regulations for a telecommunications mogul, in exchange for positive media coverage of himself and his family. He is also alleged to have accepted luxury gifts, including cigars and champagne, worth tens of thousands of dollars, from a billionaire Hollywood producer, in return for assistance with personal matters.
Netanyahu arrived at the Tel Aviv courthouse around 10:00 a.m., where he was met by a mixed crowd of protesters and supporters. Some expressed support, while others urged him to intensify efforts to secure the release of approximately 100 hostages still held in Gaza. Coalition ministers and lawmakers, responding to a call from Netanyahu’s office the previous night, also attended to show support.
At the start of the session, Netanyahu’s attorney, Amit Hadad, criticised the Israeli judicial system, calling the trial “political persecution.” Hadad described the indictment as “flawed and invalid” and argued that the case should have been dismissed.
Netanyahu began his testimony at approximately 11:30 a.m., opening with the statement, “I have waited eight years for this moment, to tell the truth, as I remember it.” He described his testimony as “an opportunity to puncture the baseless accusations” against him.
Netanyahu, who has served as the Israeli regime’s prime minister for more than 17 years, holds the record as the regime’s longest-serving leader.– NNN-MA’AN
