Netanyahu will testify for the first time in corruption case: Accused of fraud, breach of trust and bribery, Israeli PM denies any wrongdoing
Tel Aviv
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will appear in court for the first time on Tuesday to testify on corruption charges. He is being tried in Israel in three separate cases of fraud, breach of trust and bribery. Netanyahu has denied any wrongdoing.
The Israeli PM has repeatedly sought a delay in the proceedings, citing the Gaza War and security concerns. However, the court ordered the hearing to resume on Tuesday. Citing the PM’s security, the court proceedings have been shifted to an underground chamber in the capital Tel Aviv.
140 people called to testify
This trial, which began in 2020, involves three separate cases. In this, Netanyahu is accused of giving political benefits to media people in exchange for publishing news in his favor. Benefited the billionaire Hollywood director in exchange for expensive gifts.
140 people have been called to testify in all these cases. The witnesses include some of Netanyahu’s trusted people who turned against him. These include former Prime Minister Yair Lapid and many media personalities. Lawyers have presented many evidences including recordings, police documents and text messages.
At present, the verdict in this case is not expected until at least 2026. After this, Netanyahu can also appeal to the Supreme Court.
ICC has issued an arrest warrant against Netanyahu
A few days ago, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant against Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday. The court had framed charges against Netanyahu for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. The ICC admitted that under the guise of eradicating Hamas, the Israeli army is killing innocents and leaving them to die.
In this case, warrants have also been issued against former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant and former Hamas commander Mohammad Daif. The International Criminal Court has also issued an arrest warrant against Russian President Vladimir Putin for war crimes in Ukraine.
