On December 10, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared in court for the first time in the corruption case against him. He denied all the charges, stating that he is being targeted because of his tough stance on security policies.
Netanyahu, 75, faces charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, making him the first sitting Prime Minister of Israel to be criminally indicted.
Last week, a judge ruled that he must testify three times a week, forcing him to shuttle between the courtroom and Israel’s war command center.
Around 10 a.m. local time, Netanyahu entered the Tel Aviv District Court. Due to undisclosed security reasons, the trial was moved from Jerusalem to an underground courtroom.
Before testifying, his lawyer outlined the fundamental flaws in the investigation to the judges, arguing that the prosecution is not investigating a crime but pursuing a person.
In court, Netanyahu criticized the Israeli media for being left-leaning and accused journalists of targeting him over the years because his policies contradict advocating for the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Addressing the three judges, Netanyahu said, “I have waited eight years for this moment to tell the truth. But I am also a Prime Minister… leading the country through a seven-front war. I believe the two can be done simultaneously.”
He portrayed himself as a diligent leader defending Israel’s interests, treating the charges against him as “a drop in the ocean” compared to the challenges he faces in protecting his country.
Netanyahu’s son Avner and several Likud members sat behind him in a show of support.
Netanyahu denies any misconduct, claiming the accusations are part of a witch hunt orchestrated by hostile media and a biased legal system aiming to overthrow him, with his testimony set to “puncture these absurd charges.”
It is expected that Netanyahu will have to testify for six hours a week, three days a week, for several weeks, consuming a significant amount of his work time, prompting critics to question his ability to effectively manage the government.
His lawyer requested to allow him to take notes while testifying to help ensure he can continue to govern the country. This situation arose on his first day of testimony.
The court rejected Netanyahu’s lawyer’s requests to reduce the expected hours of testimony and postpone the proceedings.
The prosecution alleges that Netanyahu offered about 1.8 billion shekels (approximately 500 million US dollars) in regulatory concessions to a telecom company in exchange for positive coverage on a news website controlled by the company’s former chairman regarding him and his wife, Sara.
He is also accused of negotiating with the owner of an Israeli newspaper for better coverage, conditioned on legislation easing the growth of its competing newspapers.
Netanyahu denies the charges against him and has stated that he is not guilty.
He said, “If I wanted good coverage, all I had to do was hint at supporting a two-state solution. If I took two steps to the left, I would be praised.”
He is accused of accepting tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of cigars and champagne in exchange for help related to personal and business interests.
Netanyahu shared his perspective on the events and personal details, revealing that in the early days of his public service career, media reports caused him insomnia – a situation he dismissed later, as the prosecution attempts to portray him overly image-sensitive.
He mentioned his cigar smoking habit, admitting that due to his busy schedule, he could hardly finish one, and he despises champagne.
As the leader of the right-wing Likud party, Netanyahu has been the Prime Minister of Israel almost continuously since 2009. Throughout the morning of testimony, he stood on the witness stand without sitting down.
Prior to the Gaza war, Netanyahu’s case had divided Israeli public opinion. His government attempted to curb judicial powers last year, further fueling divisions among Israelis.
Before appearing in court, he once again criticized the law enforcement for what he considers to be a political persecution against him.
Following the attacks on Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent Gaza war, Netanyahu’s case faded from the public agenda as Israelis united in grief and trauma. However, with the protracted war, political unity began to erode.
In recent weeks, as Israel reached a ceasefire with Hamas and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah, fighting on one front has diminished. Netanyahu’s Cabinet members, including his Justice and Police Ministers, clashed with the judiciary during this time.
The trial is expected to last several months. Under Israeli law, Netanyahu does not have to resign during the trial. However, if convicted, he would be forced to step down. If he appeals, he can continue fulfilling his duties during the appeal process.
According to Israeli law, the maximum sentence for bribery charges is ten years and/or a fine; for fraud and breach of trust, the maximum penalty is three years in prison.
(This article was compiled from reports by Reuters and the Associated Press)