Trial of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu Resumes in Tel Aviv
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the first sitting prime minister in the country’s history to face a criminal trial, is expected to testify for the first time as his corruption case resumes on Tuesday. Netanyahu, who has long sought to delay his appearance in court, will respond to the charges brought against him in three separate cases: bribery, fraud, and breach of public trust.
The trial, which began in May 2020, has been delayed multiple times, including requests to postpone due to security concerns related to the wars in Gaza and Lebanon. Netanyahu has denied all wrongdoing, describing the case as a “witch hunt” and claiming that the allegations are “baseless.”
At Tuesday’s hearing, Netanyahu is set to take the witness stand for the first time to defend himself against allegations, including those from former close aides. His last physical appearance in the courtroom was in June 2023. Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Netanyahu emphasized his intent to speak in court, declaring, “I have waited eight years to present the truth and demolish these accusations.”
For security reasons, the trial, which was originally scheduled to take place in Jerusalem, has been moved to Tel Aviv, with Netanyahu set to testify in an underground chamber.
The Corruption Cases
The case includes three key allegations:
- Luxury Goods: Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, are accused of accepting over $260,000 worth of luxury goods, such as cigars, jewelry, and champagne, from billionaire benefactors, including Israeli-born Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan and Australian businessman James Packer. In return, the prime minister is accused of offering political favors.
- Media Coverage Deals: Netanyahu is accused of attempting to negotiate more favorable media coverage in exchange for political favors. One of these involves alleged talks with Arnon Mozes, the publisher of Yedioth Ahronoth, to weaken a rival newspaper, while another centers around Netanyahu’s efforts to secure favorable coverage on the Walla news website, owned by his close friend Shaul Elovitch, in exchange for supporting a telecom merger sought by Elovitch.
Since Netanyahu’s return to power in late 2022, his government has clashed with Israel’s judiciary and law enforcement, sparking mass protests. Critics argue that the prime minister is using his power to evade justice, particularly by prolonging conflicts with Gaza and Lebanon.
Public Interest and Legal Proceedings
The trial is considered an important milestone, with Netanyahu facing direct confrontation with the state’s judicial institutions. Yohanan Plesner, president of the Israel Democracy Institute, noted that this trial is significant because it demonstrates the strength of Israel’s democratic institutions, showing that even a powerful leader like Netanyahu is held accountable by the courts.
Ministers from Netanyahu’s coalition have asked for further delays in the trial, citing the security situation and his packed schedule. However, the court has rejected these requests, affirming that it is in the public interest for the trial to proceed as quickly as possible. Despite these setbacks, the legal proceedings are expected to continue for several more months, potentially extending into an appeals process.
If convicted, Netanyahu would face significant consequences, but as of now, the trial remains a key event in Israeli politics, with implications for both the prime minister and the country’s legal system.
