Israel’s Netanyahu Testifies in Corruption Trial Amid Gaza War
TEL AVIV: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took the witness stand for the first time in his long-running corruption trial, saying he was being hounded for his hawkish security policies.
Background
Netanyahu, 75, is Israel’s first sitting prime minister to be charged with a crime. He is testifying at a time when Israel is engaged in a war in Gaza and facing possible new threats posed by regional turmoil, including in Syria. Last week, judges ruled that Netanyahu, indicted in 2019, must testify three times a week, forcing the longtime Israeli leader to juggle between the courtroom and the war room at Israel’s defence ministry, minutes away from the courthouse.
Trial in Underground Courtroom
The trial was moved from Jerusalem for undisclosed security reasons and convened in an underground courtroom. A few dozen protesters gathered outside the courthouse, some of them supporters and others demanding he do more to negotiate the release of some 100 hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza.
Netanyahu’s Testimony
Netanyahu smiled confidently when he entered the Tel Aviv district court around 10am. He stood rather than sat in the witness box throughout his morning testimony. "I have been waiting for eight years for this moment to tell the truth," he said. "But I am also a prime minister … I am leading the country through a seven-front war. And I think the two can be done in parallel."
Charges and Denials
Prosecutors accuse Netanyahu of granting regulatory favours worth around 1.8 billion shekels (about US$500 million) to Bezeq Telecom Israel in return for positive coverage of himself and his wife Sara on a news website controlled by the company’s former chairman. He is also accused of negotiating a deal with the owner of Israel’s Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper for better coverage in return for legislation to slow the growth of a rival paper. Netanyahu denies the allegations against him and has pleaded not guilty.
Divisions among the Israeli Public
Before the war, Netanyahu’s legal troubles bitterly divided Israelis and shook Israeli politics through five rounds of elections. His government’s bid last year to curb the powers of the judiciary further polarized Israelis. The shock Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and the ensuing Gaza war swept Netanyahu’s trial off the public agenda as Israelis came together in grief and trauma. But as the war dragged on, political unity crumbled.
Conclusion
Netanyahu’s trial is a significant moment in Israeli politics, with the prime minister facing corruption charges and allegations of abuse of power. The trial is also taking place during a time of great turmoil in the region, with Israel engaged in a war in Gaza and facing possible new threats posed by regional turmoil. As the trial continues, the Israeli public is divided on the issue, with some supporting Netanyahu and others calling for his resignation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the charges against Netanyahu?
A: Netanyahu is charged with bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.
Q: What are the allegations against him?
A: Prosecutors accuse him of granting regulatory favours to Bezeq Telecom Israel in return for positive coverage and negotiating a deal with the owner of Israel’s Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper for better coverage in return for legislation to slow the growth of a rival paper.
Q: What is Netanyahu’s defence?
A: Netanyahu denies the allegations and has pleaded not guilty.
Q: How is the trial affecting Israeli politics?
A: The trial is bitterly dividing Israelis, with some supporting Netanyahu and others calling for his resignation. The war in Gaza is also a major issue, with some calling for a ceasefire and others supporting Israel’s military action.