He is being investigated for charges of fraud, breach of trust, and bribery in three separate cases, marking the first time a sitting Israeli leader has taken the stand as a criminal defendant in the country’s history.
Netanyahu is accused of accepting significant monetary gifts, including cigars and champagne, from a Hollywood producer in exchange for assisting with personal and professional interests.
He is also facing allegations that he promoted favorable regulatory measures for media moguls in exchange for positive coverage of himself and his family.
Netanyahu denies any wrongdoing, labeling the accusations as false and a politically motivated campaign to undermine his long-standing prime ministership.
The legal proceedings against Netanyahu began in 2019, and the trial commenced in May 2020, further marring Netanyahu’s reputation as Israel’s longest-serving leader.
In addition to these domestic charges, he also faces an international arrest warrant due to allegations of war crimes in Israel’s conflict with Hamas.
On Sunday night, over 2,000 people demonstrated in Jerusalem, advocating for an end to the war and the release of hostages remaining in Gaza.
Protesters carried signs with the message “we are all hostages,” with one individual wearing a mask depicting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a prison uniform.
Netanyahu’s critics argue that his continuation of Israel’s military actions in the Gaza Strip is a tactic to avoid appearing in court and to extend his term in office.
According to Israeli law, Netanyahu is not obligated to resign unless convicted by the Supreme Court, a judicial process that could span several months.
