Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu testified for the first time in his long-standing corruption trial, addressing allegations of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. The cases, known as Case 1000, Case 2000, and Case 4000, involve accusations of receiving luxury gifts and attempting to secure favorable media coverage in exchange for regulatory benefits. Netanyahu, who has maintained his innocence, dismissed the allegations as baseless during his testimony.
This marks a pivotal moment in a trial that has gripped Israeli politics for years, as the outcome could profoundly impact Netanyahu’s political future. Legal experts suggest that the prosecution’s extensive evidence, including testimonies from former close associates, could pose significant challenges to Netanyahu’s defense. Observers noted parallels between Netanyahu’s demeanor and that of former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert during his corruption trial, with some cautioning against overconfidence on the stand.
The trial has intensified public debate in Israel about the accountability of political leaders and the integrity of the judicial process, with both supporters and critics of Netanyahu staging demonstrations near the courthouse
