Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu testifies in a corruption trial amid the Gaza war, facing bribery and fraud charges. His courtroom appearances reignite political divisions as conflict and legal woes persist.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared in a Tel Aviv court on Tuesday to testify in his long-running corruption trial, balancing courtroom obligations with managing Israel's war in Gaza.
Netanyahu, facing charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, is accused of accepting gifts from wealthy associates and seeking regulatory favours for media tycoons in exchange for positive coverage. He denies all allegations, calling the investigations a "witch hunt."
The trial had been delayed due to the Gaza war, but judges recently ruled he must testify three times weekly. Protesters gathered outside the courthouse, divided between supporters and critics urging action to secure hostages held by Hamas.
Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving leader, has been in power almost continuously since 2009 and is the first sitting prime minister charged with a crime. His trial, once a divisive issue, was overshadowed by the October 2023 Hamas attack and subsequent war. However, political unity has since eroded, with cabinet ministers clashing with the judiciary.
Last month, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu, former Defence Chief Yoav Gallant, and a Hamas leader over alleged war crimes in Gaza.
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