Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is about to testify in his corruption trial. This is a big moment, especially since he is also dealing with a war in Gaza and has an international arrest warrant for war crimes. Netanyahu is accused of fraud, breach of trust, and accepting bribes in three different cases. He denies doing anything wrong. His testifying will be a low point in his long career, as it contrasts with the image of a smart and respected leader he has tried to show.
The trial started in 2020 and has included many witnesses, like former friends and media personalities, who have spoken against him. The prosecution has shown over 140 pieces of evidence, such as recordings and texts. A documentary called “The Bibi Files” has also revealed police questioning footage of Netanyahu and his wife, showing him appearing anxious and combative.
As Netanyahu takes the stand, he will be under pressure to manage a war at the same time. His trial is being held in a secure underground room for safety reasons. The prosecution wants to show that he is obsessed with getting good press, while the defense argues he is innocent and was wrongly targeted by police.
The court has now taken a break for summer and fall, but the trial will resume with Netanyahu as the first witness for the defense. His testimony is likely to last several weeks. Critics say the legal troubles made him push for controversial laws that divided the country. There are concerns he might be prolonging the conflict in Gaza to avoid political damage.
A decision in the case might not come until at least 2026, and Netanyahu can appeal to the Supreme Court afterward. Each side will summarize their arguments before the judges decide on Netanyahu’s fate.
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