Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s first sitting prime minister to face criminal charges, is set to testify Tuesday in a high-stakes corruption trial that has spanned years. The case involves allegations of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust across three separate incidents, making this a pivotal moment in Israeli politics.
Netanyahu has faced repeated calls to testify, with delays stemming from legal motions and national security concerns. He now prepares to address accusations from former aides and others, marking his first court appearance since June 2023. Speaking ahead of his testimony, Netanyahu declared, “I will speak in court. I am not running away.”
The trial was relocated from Jerusalem to an underground chamber in Tel Aviv for security reasons. Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, are accused of accepting luxury gifts worth over $260,000 from billionaire benefactors, including Arnon Milchan and James Packer, in exchange for political favors.
The other cases involve allegations of Netanyahu seeking favorable media coverage. One includes claims of a deal with Yedioth Ahronoth publisher Arnon Mozes to undermine a rival newspaper. Another alleges he influenced content on the Walla news website, owned by Shaul Elovitch, in exchange for approving a major telecom merger.
Netanyahu’s testimony coincides with heightened tensions over judicial reforms proposed by his government, which critics argue aim to undermine the judiciary. His trial underscores the resilience of Israel’s democratic institutions, with Yohanan Plesner of the Israel Democracy Institute stating, “The fact that a sitting prime minister is being tried demonstrates the strength of Israeli democracy.”
As the trial continues, Netanyahu faces significant political and legal challenges, with outcomes that could shape his legacy and Israel’s future.