After a month-long break, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial started. Concentrating attention on the long-serving leader’s legal difficulties. Following a wave of protests over his government’s intention to revamp the country’s court.
In three distinct scandals involving strong media moguls and rich allies. Netanyahu is charged with fraud, breach of trust, and receiving bribes. He claims he has done nothing wrong.
Critics allege that Netanyahu is motivated to weaken the courts and reform the judicial system. In order to gain an escape route from his prosecution, which he denies.
The corruption allegations have also been at the heart of a lengthy political crisis. That has seen Israelis go to the polls five times in less than four years, with each vote essentially a referendum on Netanyahu’s fitness to rule. Despite his legal difficulties, Netanyahu returned as prime minister late last year after losing power in 2021 to a coalition of opponents. According to Israeli legislation, the prime minister is not required to step aside while on trial.
Third Year Of Trial
Netanyahu’s trial, which began in May 2020, has featured over 40 prosecution witnesses, including some of Netanyahu’s closest former confidantes who have turned against him. Witness reports have shed light not just on the three cases. But also on Netanyahu’s personality and his family’s reputation for living off the generosity of taxpayers and rich friends. One former aide and crucial prosecution witness described him as a “control freak” when it came to his media image. Another witness mentioned costly gifts given to Netanyahu and his wife. Such as pink champagne and cigars.
The trial was shaken by accusations in Israeli media that police employed sophisticated phone-hacking software on a key state witness. A top police detective is testifying as the trial resumes after the Jewish Passover break. The defence will very certainly try to poke flaws in the manner the police conducted their investigation during cross examination.