Zionist PM Netanyahu Testifies in Corruption Trial as Protests Erupt Outside Court

Zionist Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared today, Tuesday, before the Central Court in the occupied city of Tel Aviv to testify in response to charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust brought against him by the public prosecutor. This marks a pivotal moment in the five-year-long legal battle, as Netanyahu, the central figure in corruption cases 1000, 2000, and 4000, begins presenting his defense.

Netanyahu’s testimony is expected to span several weeks, with the court requiring his attendance three times a week for extended hours. According to Israeli Occupation Army Radio, this is an unprecedented event, as a sitting “prime minister” stands trial while still in office.

Outside the courthouse, protesters gathered, including families of Zionist prisoners in Gaza, criticizing Netanyahu for prioritizing his military offensives over resolving prisoner exchanges or achieving a ceasefire with Palestinian resistance factions. Demonstrators chanted, “A year of devastation—we will not forget or forgive,” and echoed the charges against Netanyahu: “Bribery, fraud, and betrayal of trust.”

Speaking to reporters outside the Tel Aviv courthouse where Benjamin Netanyahu is soon slated to begin testifying in his ongoing criminal trial, hard-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir declares that he is there to support the prime minister, who is suffering from a… pic.twitter.com/zpgls6mA5z
— Quds News Network (@QudsNen) December 10, 2024

Netanyahu testified in a heavily guarded underground courtroom, initially built for criminal gang trials. Right-wing party leaders urged supporters to attend the trial, while Netanyahu’s office invited Zionist ministers and Knesset members, including Israeli so-called National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir.

Speaking to reporters outside the Tel Aviv courthouse where Benjamin Netanyahu is soon slated to begin testifying in his ongoing criminal trial, hard-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir declares that he is there to support the prime minister, who is suffering from a… pic.twitter.com/zpgls6mA5z
— Quds News Network (@QudsNen) December 10, 2024

The court proceedings had previously been delayed due to the Gaza and Lebanon offensives, as well as Netanyahu’s requests for extensions. His testimony was ultimately moved to Tel Aviv’s Central Court for security reasons.

Netanyahu arrived at the court at 10:00 a.m., having sought to reduce his required court days, citing ongoing military operations in Gaza and Syria—a request denied by the judges. Zionist Speaker of the Knesset Amir Ohana’s argument that the court should coordinate Netanyahu’s schedule with him was also rejected, as Netanyahu had waived his parliamentary immunity.

The Corruption Cases

Netanyahu faces three major corruption cases. First, in Case 1000, he is accused of accepting expensive gifts and personal benefits from businessmen, including Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan, in exchange for political favors, such as securing a 10-year US visa for Milchan.

Second, in Case 2000, he allegedly negotiated with Yedioth Ahronoth publisher Arnon Mozes, proposing to limit the free distribution of rival newspaper Israel Hayom in return for favorable coverage in Yedioth.

Third, in Case 4000, Netanyahu is charged with striking a deal with businessman Shaul Elovitch, owner of the Walla news site, to secure positive media coverage in exchange for regulatory benefits facilitating the merger of Elovitch’s companies, Bezeq and Yes.

Source: News Agencies