Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to testify for the first time on Tuesday in his ongoing corruption trial. He faces three separate indictments – Cases 1000, 2000, and 4000 – filed in 2019, encompassing allegations of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. Netanyahu vehemently denies all wrongdoing, characterizing the proceedings as a politically motivated “witch-hunt” orchestrated by opponents and the media.
Observers suggest that Netanyahu’s efforts to avoid trial and potential conviction may be linked to the escalation of Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip. The trial, initially commenced in May 2020, has faced numerous delays. A recent request by Netanyahu’s legal team for a ten-week postponement was rejected by Israel’s Supreme Court on November 13th, citing the five months already afforded for preparation. The defense argued that managing Israel’s military engagements prevented adequate preparation. The court stated that no significant change in circumstances warranted a postponement.
Read Also: French Government Faces No-Confidence Vote Over Budget
The charges against Netanyahu are as follows:
Case 1000 (“Gifts Affair”):
This case alleges fraud and breach of trust, accusing Netanyahu and his wife of receiving lavish gifts, including champagne and cigars, from Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan and Australian billionaire James Packer in exchange for political favors. These alleged favors include securing a US visa for Milchan and promoting legislation beneficial to Israelis living abroad. The gifts are valued at approximately 700,000 shekels ($186,000).
Case 2000:
This case alleges fraud and breach of trust, claiming Netanyahu struck a deal with businessman Arnon Mozes, owner of the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, for favorable media coverage in exchange for legislation to curb the growth of the rival Israel Hayom newspaper. This allegedly involved a series of meetings between 2008 and 2014 to advance mutual interests.
Case 4000:
This case charges Netanyahu with granting regulatory favors to the Bezeq telecommunications company in exchange for positive media coverage on the Walla news website, controlled by Bezeq’s former chairman, Shaul Elovitch. The alleged favors included mergers and financial gains, provided in exchange for favorable reporting on Netanyahu and his wife.
The potential penalties for fraud and breach of trust include prison sentences up to three years, while bribery charges carry a maximum sentence of ten years and/or a fine.
Source: Al Jazeera
