Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to take the witness stand for the first time on Tuesday in his ongoing case over alleged fraud and corruption in Israel. The trial, which began in 2020, centers on accusations that Netanyahu exchanged regulatory favors for positive press coverage in dealings with media moguls.
So far, approximately 140 witnesses, including former prime ministers, security chiefs, and media personalities, have testified in the trial. Netanyahu and his wife have been interviewed multiple times by the police regarding the charges, but Tuesday marks the first time the Prime Minister himself will testify.
Netanyahu's testimony is expected to be a lengthy process, with him testifying three days a week for hours at a time. Despite efforts by the defense to postpone his testimony, the trial is proceeding as scheduled.
Critics have accused Netanyahu of attempting to delay the legal proceedings by prolonging conflicts with Hamas. The prosecution rested its case in July, and a verdict is not anticipated until 2026, with the possibility of appeals to the country's supreme court.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu has garnered support in the International Criminal Court's case against him, with American politicians rallying to his defense amid accusations of war crimes. The Pentagon has expressed its rejection of the ICC's decision to issue arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, stating that the ICC lacks jurisdiction in the matter.
Several senior members of the Senate have indicated their willingness to support sanctions against the ICC following the issuance of the arrest warrants.
