Official announcement from the Israeli government or Netanyahu's office

Netanyahu Faces Bribery Charges in Tel Aviv Court, First Sitting PM to Testify

Dec 10, 2024, 08:06 AM

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared in a fortified Tel Aviv District Courtroom on Tuesday to testify in his long-running corruption trial, becoming the first sitting Israeli leader to take the stand as a defendant. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and other ministers attended the court to support Netanyahu, while protests occurred outside. Netanyahu faces charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in three separate cases involving allegations of accepting lavish gifts and trading regulatory favors for positive media coverage. The trial, which began in 2020, has been a focal point of Israeli politics, dividing public opinion. Netanyahu denies all charges, labeling the proceedings a 'witch hunt' and a 'deep state' conspiracy orchestrated by a biased legal system and media. 'I've been waiting eight years to tell the truth,' he said ahead of his testimony. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison.