Israel’s Netanyahu decries ‘absurd’ expenses at corruption trial look

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 mentioned the costs levelled in opposition to him had 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 circumstances. He has persistently 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 responsibility 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 advised the three-judge courtroom. “However I’m additionally a major minister … I’m main the nation via a seven-front struggle. And I believe the 2 may be executed 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 take care of his keep in energy. Additionally they say he’s blocking a ceasefire deal that might launch dozens of Israeli captives held in Gaza.

Outdoors 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, largely ladies and youngsters, based on Palestinian well being authorities.

Three circumstances

Israel’s prime minister is on trial in three separate circumstances which had been filed in 2019 – Case 1000, Case 2000, and Case 4000.

Netanyahu stands of accused of accepting luxurious items from a billionaire Hollywood producer in trade for help with private enterprise pursuits.

He’s additionally charged with allegedly looking 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 status of having fun with a lavish life-style at Israeli taxpayers’ expense.

For the reason that trial started in 2020, the courtroom has heard prosecution witnesses within the three circumstances, 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 legislation 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 big quantity of Netanyahu’s time, prompting critics to ask if he can capably handle a rustic embroiled in a struggle on a number of fronts.

A verdict will not be anticipated till 2026, on the earliest, and Netanyahu could have the choice to attraction to the Supreme Courtroom.