Israel’s Premier On Trial For Corruption

By Stefan J. Bos, Special Correspondent Worthy News

(Worthy News) – Benjamin Netanyahu became on Sunday Israel’s first prime minister to stand trial on bribery, fraud, and breach of trust charges.

After years of legal wrangling and a recent coronavirus delay, the mask-wearing Netanyahu appeared in the District Courtroom in Jerusalem to hear the charges.

When asked if he understood the indictment, he responded, “Yes. I have read the indictment, and I understand it.”

A panel of three judges — Rivka Friedman-Feldman, Moshe Bar-Am, and Oded Shaham — will decide whether he should be convicted in three cases involving his alleged efforts to control aspects of Israeli media. Three other defendants are also on trial.

He didn’t sit with the other defendants until the photographers left the courtroom, reporters noted. The others on trial are Arnon Mozes, publisher of the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper; and Shaul Elovitch, controlling shareholder of the Bezeq telecommunications company; and Elovitch’s wife, Iris Elovitch.

The state prosecution and Netanyahu’s defense lawyers disagreed over the start of the actual trial. State prosecution team leader Liat Ben Aris suggested the trial could start within around three months. But defense attorney Micha Feitman wants one to begin in spring 2021.

Commentators said that just as the indictment was a major cause of the 18-month-long election deadlock, the trial will overshadow major government decisions for the foreseeable future.

As the proceedings began, Netanyahu’s supporters protested outside the District Court building against the judicial system. His opponents, appearing outside his official Jerusalem residence, demanded his resignation.

After the hearing, Netanyahu said: “What is on trial today is the attempt to thwart the will of the people: To bring us down, the nationalist camp, by way of fabricated cases. With your help and the help of God, I will continue to fight.”

Netanyahu was compelled to attend this court session, but the court agreed that the prime minister doesn’t have to attend future procedural hearings.

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