Netanyahu Makes History as First Sitting Prime Minister to Testify in Corruption Trial

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made history on Tuesday by becoming the first sitting Israeli prime minister to testify as a criminal defendant in a corruption trial. During his testimony at the Tel Aviv District Court, Netanyahu ridiculed the charges against him, particularly in Case 4000, which alleges he traded regulatory benefits to Bezeq’s majority shareholder, Shaul Elovitch, in exchange for positive media coverage on the Walla news site. Netanyahu denied the accusations, insisting his interactions with the press aimed to diversify Israel’s “monolithic” media landscape rather than secure personal benefits. The hearings are taking place in an underground room for safety and protection. 

Netanyahu described the charges as baseless, asserting that he had no close ties with Elovitch and dismissing claims of a quid pro quo arrangement. Highlighting his broader defense, he compared his media strategies to those of democratic leaders throughout history, emphasizing the importance of fostering diverse viewpoints in Israel’s media market. He also denied living extravagantly, rejecting allegations in Case 1000 that he and his wife Sara illicitly accepted lavish gifts, such as cigars and champagne.

Inside the courtroom, tensions ran high as Netanyahu’s supporters and critics rallied outside, with police separating the two groups to prevent clashes. The prime minister’s testimony occurred amid heightened regional instability, including the recent collapse of Bashar Assad’s regime in Syria, which Netanyahu cited as evidence of the pressures he faces as a leader. Despite requests from senior ministers to postpone his court appearance due to ongoing security challenges, the hearings proceeded as scheduled.

The Jerusalem District Court rejected Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana’s claim that it needed to coordinate with him to set the dates of Netanyahu’s court testimony. The court clarified that the law Ohana referenced applied to Members of Knessets giving testimony as witnesses, not defendants. Since Netanyahu is the defendant in his trial, the court did not need to consult with Ohana. The judges noted that Netanyahu’s legal status is similar to anyone facing indictment, especially since the Knesset never granted him immunity. Earlier, the Knesset legal adviser supported these arguments in her submission. The court had already rescheduled his testimony on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 14:30 to accommodate his attendance at a ceremony with Paraguay’s President Santiago Peña.

Netanyahu will continue to testify weekly, defending against charges in three separate cases: fraud and breach of trust in Cases 1000 and 2000, and bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in Case 4000. He has consistently maintained his innocence, framing the accusations as part of a political conspiracy to undermine his leadership. The court has indicated it will consider recesses if urgent matters arise, acknowledging the challenges of balancing governance with legal proceedings during a volatile period.