Israel’s Netanyahu condemns ‘absurd’ allegations over appearance at corruption trial | benjamin netanyahu news
Netanyahu took the stand for nearly four hours and will testify again on Wednesday.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has taken the stand for the first time in his long-running corruption trial, rejecting “absurd” allegations made against him.
Appearing in a crowded courtroom in Tel Aviv on Tuesday, the embattled Israeli leader said the charges against him were an “ocean of absurdity.”
Israel’s longest-serving prime minister is facing charges of bribery, fraud and breach of public trust in three separate cases. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
He presented his case for nearly four hours and will testify again on Wednesday. His military secretary handed him written messages twice, the first time requiring leave and insisting on him performing double duty as Prime Minister.
He attacked the Israeli media for its leftist stance and accused journalists of stalking him for years because his policies were not in line with the effort for a Palestinian state.
“I have been waiting for this moment for eight years to tell the truth,” Netanyahu told the three-judge court. “But I am also a Prime Minister… I am leading the country through a war on seven fronts. And I think both can be done in parallel.
Netanyahu’s appearance at the trial comes as Israel continues its assault on the besieged Gaza Strip amid rising tensions in the region.
Critics have accused the prime minister of extending Israel’s offensive on the besieged Gaza Strip by 14 months to stay in power. They also say he is blocking a ceasefire agreement that could release dozens of Israeli detainees held in Gaza.
Outside the court, dozens of protesters gathered, including family members of detainees in Gaza.
Israel’s offensive on Gaza has killed more than 44,500 people, mostly women and children, according to Palestinian health officials.
three cases
The Prime Minister of Israel is on trial in three separate cases that were filed in 2019 – Case 1000, Case 2000, and Case 4000.
Netanyahu is accused of accepting luxury gifts from a billionaire Hollywood producer in exchange for aid in personal business interests.
He is also accused of allegedly seeking regulatory favors for media tycoons in exchange for favorable news coverage.
His testimony follows years of scandals that have swirled around him and his family, who have gained a reputation for enjoying a lavish lifestyle at the expense of Israeli taxpayers.
Since the trial began in 2020, the court has heard prosecution witnesses in three cases, including some of Netanyahu’s former aides who have turned government witnesses.
The prosecution has tried to portray the prime minister as an image-obsessed leader who broke the law to improve his public perception.
The testimony, expected to last six hours a day, three days a week, for several weeks will take up much of Netanyahu’s time, forcing critics to ask whether he can manage a country embroiled in war on multiple fronts.
A decision is not expected until 2026 at the earliest and Netanyahu will have the option to appeal to the Supreme Court.
