Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took the witness stand on Tuesday for the first time in his ongoing corruption trial.
The trial coincides with Israel’s war in Gaza and growing regional threats, including unrest in Syria. Netanyahu, the first sitting Israeli prime minister to face criminal charges, must testify three times a week, balancing courtroom proceedings with his responsibilities in the war room at the Defence Ministry.
Testifying for four hours, Netanyahu denied allegations of wrongdoing in three cases involving accusations of receiving gifts from wealthy associates and attempting to secure favorable media coverage in exchange for regulatory benefits.
He has consistently pleaded not guilty, asserting that the charges are politically motivated. Netanyahu criticized Israel’s media for its alleged bias against him and attributed his legal troubles to his strong stance against a Palestinian state.
The trial occurs in a fortified Tel Aviv courtroom due to security concerns. Netanyahu’s defense attorney argued the investigation was targeted at him personally, not based on actual evidence of criminal activity.
During his testimony, Netanyahu emphasized his commitment to Israel’s security and his ability to manage both the trial and the country’s ongoing military conflict.
Protests outside the courthouse reflected a divided public, with some calling for Netanyahu to prioritize hostage negotiations with Hamas while others showed support for the leader. His legal and political challenges have polarized Israel, intensifying debates over judiciary reforms and his leadership.
Additionally, the International Criminal Court recently issued an arrest warrant against Netanyahu and others for alleged war crimes during the Gaza conflict.
