For 3rd time, Israeli prime minister testifies in court in his corruption trial

By Abdelraouf Arnaout

JERUSALEM (AA) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared in court in Tel Aviv for the 3rd time on Monday to testify in his corruption trial.

Netanyahu took the stand before the Tel Aviv District Court last week to defend himself against accusations of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.

He is the first sitting Israeli leader to take the stand as a criminal defendant in the country’s history.

According to the Israeli public broadcaster KAN, the Israeli premier appeared before the court again on Monday to continue his testimony.

The court rejected requests from Israeli media outlets to broadcast Netanyahu’s testimony live.

The charges stem from cases labeled “Case 2000” and “Case 4000,” accusing Netanyahu of feathering his own nest to secure favorable media coverage for himself and his family.

Netanyahu denies any wrongdoing, calling the accusations against him “complete lies.”

Netanyahu also faces charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity, with the International Criminal Court (ICC) issuing arrest warrants for him and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in November over atrocities in Gaza.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar