Israel Corruption trial: Netanyahu testifies in court for the first time
For the first time since his corruption trial began more than four years ago, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing the accusations himself in court.
10.12.2024, 09:34
SDA
An eagerly awaited session began this morning at the Tel Aviv District Court, where Netanyahu was due to testify for the first time. Numerous demonstrators gathered outside the court to protest against Netanyahu and his policies. "There is no immunity against corruption" was written on one of the signs they held aloft.
At a press conference on Monday evening, Netanyahu criticized the trial against him as systematic persecution of his person. He accused the media of spreading lies. At the same time, the 75-year-old announced that he would defend himself against the accusations. "I will speak out. I have waited eight years for the day to be able to present the truth."
Allegations: fraud, breach of trust, bribery
The hearing with three judges will take place in an underground hall of the Tel Aviv District Court, chaired by presiding judge Rivka Friedman-Feldman. The hearing had been moved there from Jerusalem for security reasons.
A total of twelve ministers in his cabinet had demanded that the hearing be postponed due to the Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip and the region. The judiciary rejected this. Several ministers sat in the courtroom to demonstrate their solidarity with the accused head of government. Netanyahu greeted them with a smile on his arrival.
This is the first time that a sitting prime minister has stood trial in Israel. The trial (case number 67104-01-20) could last for years. Netanyahu is due to testify three times a week for around two months.
Netanyahu is charged with fraud, breach of trust and bribery. Among other things, he is accused of having granted benefits to the telecommunications giant Bezeq as Communications Minister. He is also alleged to have accepted luxury gifts from billionaire friends.
