Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made his first appearance on Tuesday in his ongoing corruption trial, denouncing the charges against him as “absurd.” Netanyahu faces allegations of bribery, fraud, and breach of public trust in three separate cases, which he has consistently denied.
During his four-hour testimony, Netanyahu criticized the Israeli media, accusing them of having a leftist bias and targeting him for his policies regarding a Palestinian state. Despite defending himself in court, he expressed the challenges of balancing his legal obligations with running the country amidst multiple ongoing conflicts.
The prime minister’s trial comes amid Israel’s continued assault on Gaza, with critics accusing him of prolonging the conflict to maintain his grip on power. Outside the courtroom, protesters, including families of captives held in Gaza, voiced their opposition to Netanyahu’s leadership.
Netanyahu’s testimony marks a significant development in a trial that began in 2020 and has heard from prosecution witnesses alleging misconduct on his part. The proceedings are expected to continue for several weeks, raising concerns about the prime minister’s ability to effectively govern the country during this time.
As the trial progresses, Netanyahu faces the possibility of a verdict in 2026, at the earliest, with the option to appeal to the Supreme Court. The outcome of the case will have far-reaching implications for the future of Israel’s political landscape and the fate of its longtime leader.
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