Netanyahu Testifies in Corruption Trial

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began his corruption trial by denying charges of fraud, breach of trust, and bribery, calling the allegations 'absurd' and a 'drop in the sea' compared to his responsibilities as a leader during ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Syria. He argued that the accusations, which include accepting expensive gifts from a Hollywood producer and promoting favorable media regulations, are part of a witch hunt aimed at undermining his rule. Netanyahu's testimony follows years of scandals and is a historic moment as he is the first sitting Israeli leader to testify as a criminal defendant. He claimed to manage his court appearances alongside his duties as prime minister, despite skepticism regarding the feasibility of this dual responsibility during wartime. Throughout his testimony, he emphasized that his actions stem from a commitment to Israel's interests and dismissed claims of prolonging the Gaza conflict as false. The trial, which has been ongoing since his indictment in 2019, is expected to last for several more years, with a verdict not anticipated until 2026.