Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to testify on Tuesday in his high-profile corruption trial, marking the first instance of him addressing the court directly. Facing multiple corruption charges, Netanyahu’s trial has become a focal point of political tension in Israel.
The charges are linked to three cases filed in 2019, known as Case 1000, Case 2000, and Case 4000, which include grave accusations of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. Netanyahu has consistently denied any wrongdoing, claiming he is the target of a politically motivated “witch-hunt” orchestrated by his rivals and the media.
Analysts say Netanyahu is trying to divert attention from his legal woes by escalating military activities in Gaza. The trial, which started in May 2020, has been delayed several times, with the next hearing set for December 10. Israel’s Supreme Court denied a request from Netanyahu’s lawyers for a 10-week delay in the testimony, saying he had enough time to prepare.
Case 1000, also called the “Gifts Affair,” alleges that Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, received luxury gifts from billionaires in exchange for favors. The gifts, valued at about 700,000 shekels ($186,000), are said to have been supplied by businessman Arnon Milchan and Australian billionaire James Packer.
In Case 2000, Netanyahu is accused of negotiating favorable media coverage with businessman Arnon Mozes in exchange for legislative support against rival newspapers. In Case 4000, Netanyahu is accused of having given regulatory favors to the telecommunications company Bezeq in exchange for positive media coverage.
Conviction would come with serious penalties, including prison sentences of as many as three years each for fraud and breach of trust, and ten years for bribery. The possible ramifications of this trial could greatly change the future of Netanyahu’s political career and the stability of his government.
