Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to take the witness stand on Tuesday for the first time in his ongoing corruption trial, marking a pivotal moment in the long-running proceedings.
His court appearance comes as he manages a war in Gaza and faces an international arrest warrant on war crimes charges.
Netanyahu faces allegations of fraud, breach of trust, and accepting bribes across three separate cases. While he denies any wrongdoing, his testimony represents a significant low point in his decades-long political career, contrasting sharply with the image of a sophisticated, respected leader he has sought to project.
The timing of the trial is critical for Netanyahu, as his responsibilities extend to managing the Gaza conflict, overseeing a fragile ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon, and addressing broader security threats from the Middle East, including Iran.
Despite efforts to delay proceedings by citing the ongoing war and security concerns, judges have ordered the trial to resume on Tuesday. For security reasons, the hearings will take place in an underground chamber of a Tel Aviv court.
This will be the first time an Israeli prime minister testifies as a criminal defendant, a development that adds to Netanyahu’s legal and political challenges. Close advisers in his office are also entangled in separate scandals involving leaked classified information and falsified documents.
Although Netanyahu is not directly implicated in those cases, they risk further eroding his public image.
Netanyahu’s appearance in court, alongside his management of pressing national and international issues, underscores the immense pressure on his leadership during this critical period.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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