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Netanyahu to Testify in Landmark Corruption Trial Amid Wartime Tensions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to testify for the first time in his ongoing corruption trial, facing charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, Sky News reports. The trial, which began in 2019, involves allegations that Netanyahu accepted gifts from millionaire allies and sought regulatory favors for media moguls in exchange for positive coverage. Netanyahu has denied all allegations, pleaded not guilty, and labeled the investigations as a "witch hunt.” Judges have mandated that Netanyahu appear in court three times a week, even as Israel navigates the ongoing Gaza war and heightened tensions in the region. Ahead of his testimony, Netanyahu criticized law enforcement, accusing them of attempting to undermine democracy and rejecting the people's electoral choices. Speaking at a press conference, he expressed frustration, stating, “I have waited eight years to tell my story,” and condemned the treatment of witnesses during investigations. Before the October 7 Hamas attack, Netanyahu’s legal troubles polarized Israeli society and triggered political turmoil, leading to five national elections. The prime minister's push to reduce judiciary powers last year deepened divisions within the country and sparked widespread protests. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has largely shifted public focus away from Netanyahu’s trial, with war efforts dominating national attention. As Netanyahu takes the stand, his dual role as a wartime leader and a defendant in a corruption case adds significant pressure on his leadership and public image.
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