Corruption Trial Against Netanyahu Picks Up Again
Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, is set to face the court once more regarding the ongoing corruption trial. After a brief halt following the Hamas massacre in October, the trial resumes at a district court in Jerusalem, as per a report by The Times of Israel. The temporary suspension was due to the massacre, but an expired order caused the trial to resume.
Netanyahu has been on trial for more than three years, facing accusations such as granting favors to telecoms giant Bezeq as communications minister. In return, the media outlet "Walla," which belongs to the company, reported positively about him. Also, he is alleged to have offered to weaken the critical newspaper publisher Arnon Moses in exchange for positive coverage of his rival paper.
Furthermore, Netanyahu is accused of accepting luxury gifts worth approximately €174,000 from billionaire friends. The indictment suggests that he did so in exchange for lobbying for the extension of a tax-saving law that would benefit Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan strongly. Previously, Netanyahu has always denied all accusations, labeling them as a "witch hunt."
As per Israeli media reports, Netanyahu could testify in the trial within a few months.
Further Insights
New Development
In an intriguing twist, Sara Netanyahu, Benjamin Netanyahu's wife, is under criminal investigation for allegedly attempting to intimidate a key witness in her husband's corruption trial. The investigation started after a report by Channel 12's Uvda program on December 26, 2024.
Key Allegations
- Case 1,000 (Illegal Gifts): Netanyahu is accused of accepting over $260,000 worth of luxury items, including cigars, jewelry, and champagne, from billionaires in exchange for political favors.
- Case 2,000 (Attempted Media Bribery - Yediot Aharonot-Israel Hayom): The prosecution claims that Netanyahu's office attempted to manipulate media coverage through a media bribery scheme, involving former Communications Ministry chief of staff David Sharan and other officials.
- Case 4,000 (Media Bribery - Walla-Bezeq): Netanyahu is charged with allegedly having a media bribery scheme with Walla and Bezeq. The prime minister's office is said to have requested favorable coverage in exchange for political favors. However, Netanyahu denies involvement, claiming it was done without his knowledge.
- Breach of Trust and Fraud: Netanyahu faces charges of fraud and breach of trust associated with his handling of public funds and media influence. He denies these allegations and calls them "ridiculous."
- International Charges: Netanyahu is also subject to international charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the Gaza conflict. The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for him and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in November 2024.
These allegations and developments underscore the complexity and gravity of the corruption trial against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
