Jerusalem: On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu testified in his corruption trial for the first time, accusing the media of bias and claiming they targeted him for his security policies and political views.
The trial, which began in 2019, has seen Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving leader, charged in three cases involving allegations of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.
Netanyahu Balances Courtroom and Crisis
Netanyahu’s court appearance comes as Israel faces a war in Gaza and increasing regional tensions. Judges recently ruled that he must testify three times a week, forcing him to split his time between courtroom proceedings and leading the nation from the Defense Ministry’s war room. During his testimony, military aides delivered written messages to him, underscoring the dual pressures he faces.
Netanyahu addressed the court for nearly four hours, emphasizing that he could manage both roles simultaneously. “I am leading the country through a seven-front war,” he said, adding, “I have waited eight years for this moment to tell the truth.”
Charges and Defense
Netanyahu is accused of receiving lavish gifts from wealthy allies and seeking regulatory benefits for media moguls in exchange for favorable news coverage. He denies all charges, claiming the accusations are part of a politically motivated campaign against him.
“If I wanted favorable coverage, all I would have had to do was endorse a two-state solution,” Netanyahu argued, reiterating his firm stance against Palestinian statehood.
His defense team also questioned the legitimacy of the investigation, with his lawyer Amit Hadad claiming prosecutors “weren’t investigating a crime; they were targeting a person.”
Polarization Among Israelis
Netanyahu’s legal troubles have long divided Israeli society, contributing to political instability and triggering multiple elections in recent years. Before the Gaza war, his government’s attempts to curtail judicial power sparked widespread protests.
The October 2023 Hamas attack briefly united the nation, but as the conflict drags on, divisions are resurfacing. Netanyahu’s leadership during the war has faced scrutiny, and protests have reignited, with some demanding more decisive action on hostage negotiations and others criticizing his handling of the judiciary.
International and Domestic Challenges
Netanyahu’s domestic challenges have been compounded by international scrutiny. Last month, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for him, former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and a Hamas leader, citing alleged war crimes in the Gaza conflict.
Conclusion
As Netanyahu continues his testimony, his dual role as a wartime leader and a defendant in a corruption trial highlights the intense pressures on his leadership. While he seeks to defend his reputation in court, his political future remains deeply intertwined with Israel’s security challenges and its polarized political landscape.
