Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is taking the stand for the first time in his lengthy corruption trial.Here’s what you should know regarding the charges that have polarized the Israeli public amidst ongoing turmoil in the Middle East.
What are the allegations?
Mr. Netanyahu was indicted in 2019 for bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, all of which he contests.
Prosecutors claim that Mr. Netanyahu provided regulatory advantages worth approximately 1.8 billion shekels (around €475 million) to Bezeq Telecom Israel.
In exchange, they allege that he sought favorable media coverage for himself and his wife, Sara, on a news website controlled by the company’s former chairman, Shaul Elovitch.
In this case, Mr. Netanyahu faces charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.
He has also been charged with fraud and breach of trust for claims that he and his wife improperly accepted nearly 700,000 shekels (€200,000) in gifts from Arnon Milchan, a Hollywood producer and Israeli citizen, as well as Australian billionaire James Packer.
Prosecutors stated that these gifts included items such as champagne and cigars, and that Mr. Netanyahu assisted Mr. Milchan with his business interests. Neither Mr. Packer nor Mr. Milchan has been charged.
Additionally, Mr. Netanyahu allegedly negotiated with Arnon Mozes, owner of Israel’s Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, for improved coverage in exchange for legislation aimed at hindering the growth of a competing newspaper.
Mr. Netanyahu has been charged with fraud and breach of trust in this matter.
Will a verdict be reached soon?
It’s unlikely. Unless Mr. Netanyahu pursues a plea deal, it may take several more months before the judges deliver a ruling.
Can he continue as Prime Minister?
According to Israeli law, a Prime Minister is not required to resign unless convicted.
If they decide to appeal their conviction, they can remain in office during the appeals process.
Could he face imprisonment?
Bribery charges can result in a prison sentence of up to ten years and/or a fine, while fraud and breach of trust can each carry a maximum sentence of three years in prison.
What is the significance?
The shocking assault by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023, along with the subsequent Gaza war, has overshadowed Mr. Netanyahu’s trial.
Prior to the conflict, Mr. Netanyahu’s legal issues deeply divided Israelis and significantly impacted Israeli politics across five election cycles.
Following his decisive victory in the 2022 elections, his far-right government initiated a campaign to limit the judiciary’s powers.
This triggered widespread protests in Israel and raised concerns among Western allies regarding the country’s democratic stability.
Mr. Netanyahu has denied any connection between the judicial overhaul and his trial.
He largely abandoned the judicial reform plans after the outbreak of war, but has recently revived some of his anti-judiciary rhetoric.
