Netanyahu took the stand for about 4 hours and can resume testifying on Wednesday.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has taken the stand for the primary time in his long-running corruption trial, rejecting what he described as “absurd” allegations in opposition to him.
Showing at a crowded courtroom in Tel Aviv on Tuesday, the embattled Israeli chief stated the costs levelled in opposition to him have been an “an ocean of absurdity”.
Israel’s longest-serving prime minister faces expenses of bribery, fraud and breach of public belief in three separate instances. He has constantly denied any wrongdoing.
He took the stand for about 4 hours and can resume testifying on Wednesday. His navy secretary twice handed him written messages, the primary time requiring a recess and underscoring his having to do double obligation as prime minister.
He attacked the Israeli media for what he known as its leftist stance and accused journalists of getting hounded him for years as a result of his insurance policies didn’t align with a push for a Palestinian state.
“I’ve been ready for eight years for this second to inform the reality,” Netanyahu informed the three-judge courtroom. “However I’m additionally a main minister … I’m main the nation by a seven-front conflict. And I feel the 2 will be achieved in parallel.”
Netanyahu’s look on the trial comes as Israel continues its assault on the besieged Gaza Strip amid hovering tensions within the area.
Critics have accused the prime minister of extending Israel’s 14-month assault on the besieged Gaza Strip to keep up his keep in energy. Additionally they say he’s blocking a ceasefire deal that might launch dozens of Israeli captives held in Gaza.
Exterior the courtroom, dozens of protesters gathered, together with members of the households of captives held in Gaza.
Israel’s offensive on Gaza has killed greater than 44,500 individuals, principally ladies and youngsters, in line with Palestinian well being authorities.
Three instances
Israel’s prime minister is on trial in three separate cases which have been filed in 2019 – Case 1000, Case 2000, and Case 4000.
Netanyahu stands of accused of accepting luxurious presents from a billionaire Hollywood producer in change for help with private enterprise pursuits.
He’s additionally charged with allegedly searching for regulatory favours for media tycoons in return for beneficial information protection.
His testimony follows years of scandals which have swirled round him and his household, who’ve gained a popularity of having fun with a lavish way of life at Israeli taxpayers’ expense.
For the reason that trial started in 2020, the courtroom has heard prosecution witnesses within the three instances, together with a few of Netanyahu’s former aides, who’ve turned state witnesses.
The prosecution has tried to painting the prime minister as an image-obsessed chief who broke the regulation to enhance his public notion.
The testimony, set to happen six hours a day, three days every week for a number of weeks, will take up a major quantity of Netanyahu’s time, prompting critics to ask if he can capably handle a rustic embroiled in a conflict on a number of fronts.
A verdict isn’t anticipated till 2026, on the earliest, and Netanyahu may have the choice to attraction to the Supreme Court docket.
