Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began testifying in his criminal trial, becoming the first sitting Israeli leader to take the stand as a defendant, AP News reports.
Netanyahu faces charges of fraud, breach of trust, and accepting bribes, including allegations of accepting gifts from a Hollywood producer in exchange for political favors and advancing regulatory benefits for media moguls in exchange for favorable coverage. Netanyahu denied the charges, calling the allegations a politically motivated “witch hunt.”
Netanyahu’s testimony comes during a turbulent period for Israel, with an ongoing war in Gaza, regional instability, and an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes in Gaza. A verdict in Netanyahu’s trial is not expected before 2026, with potential appeals to the Supreme Court.
