A defiant Benjamin Netanyahu has begun his first day of testimony in his ongoing corruption trial by asserting his innocence and decrying what he claims is a witch hunt against him.
In his opening statements to the court in Tel Aviv, the Israeli Prime Minister said: “I have waited 8 years for this moment, to say the truth as I remember it, which is important for justice. There is no justice without truth.”
He added: “This is the opportunity to dispel the allegations against me. There is a great absurdity in the charges and great injustice.”
He will answer his own lawyer’s questions as a defendant in the three criminal cases against him, including charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.
This phase of questioning is expected to last two to three days. Following this, the prosecution will have the opportunity to cross-examine Netanyahu.
Supporters of Netanyahu turned out in full force to show their loyalty to the embattled prime minister. Among those attending were ministers Miri Regev, Shlomo Karhi, and Itamar Ben Gvir, as well as several Likud MKs.
National Security Minister Ben Gvir used the trial the opportunity to reiterate his claim that Netanyahu is the victim of a politically motivated "campaign of persecution." He also accused Israeli Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara of fabricating the cases against the Prime Minister and called for her dismissal.
"I say something very simple: It is clear to everyone that she is fabricating cases,” said Ben Gvir. “I have been demanding her dismissal for over a year, and I say again, it’s time to bring this to a government decision.”
Netanyahu was charged in 2019 and has consistently denied all charges, pleading not guilty in the cases which range from accusations of accepting bribes to engaging in fraud and breaching public trust.
His legal team has expressed confidence that his testimony will help refute the allegations, particularly the bribery charge, which is seen as the most serious.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s critics have continued to voice their opposition to his leadership.
Yair Golan, chairman of the Israeli Democratic Party, condemned Netanyahu for causing a "war against the State of Israel" since his legal troubles began, citing the political instability that led to five national elections between 2019 and 2022 as well as the judicial reforms protest which rocked Israel in 2023.
“Every trick and stunt Netanyahu tried to do to prevent his trial failed, and he will also fail the test of the trial itself. Israel will win,” Golan stated.
The trial, which began in 2020, has been taking place in a specially arranged underground hall in the Tel Aviv District Court, due to security concerns.
The Jerusalem District Court, where the case was originally planned to be heard, lacked the necessary security infrastructure to handle the high-profile case.
Despite his attempts to delay his testimony, Netanyahu has now taken the stand, and is set to testify in a series of sessions between now and the end of the year.
Relatives of hostages have set up camp outside the court to protest Netanyahu.
Maayan Sherman, the mother of slain soldier Ron Sherman, displayed a photo of her son outside the court writing, "Kidnapped because of Netanyahu. Murdered by Netanyahu."
