Israeli Prime Minister Attacks Media in Corruption Trial

(CLO) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appeared in court for the first time in a years-long corruption case. He accused the Israeli media of deliberately attacking him over "political issues".

The trial took place on December 10 in Tel Aviv, as Israel faces a protracted war in Gaza and new regional turmoil, including the situation in Syria.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives for a hearing at the district court in Tel Aviv on November 10. Photo: AP

Netanyahu, 75, is the first Israeli prime minister to face criminal charges while in office. He was indicted in 2019 on charges of accepting gifts from wealthy friends and seeking favors from media moguls in exchange for favorable coverage. He has denied any wrongdoing and has proclaimed his innocence.

In the first four-hour hearing, Mr Netanyahu claimed the charges were the result of “political revenge” by journalists and the left. “I have waited eight years to tell the truth,” he said. “I am leading the country through a war on seven fronts and I believe I can do both tasks in parallel.”

Before Prime Minister Netanyahu went to trial, Israeli public opinion was deeply divided over his legal troubles, especially the government’s efforts to limit the power of the judiciary. The war in Gaza and tense negotiations over the release of 100 hostages held by Hamas further complicated the situation.

During the hearing, Netanyahu's lawyer, Amit Hadad, argued that the investigation into the prime minister was not a search for a criminal but a "hunt for an individual." The prosecution denied this allegation, insisting that the evidence was collected thoroughly and transparently.

Netanyahu's legal problems were further complicated when the International Criminal Court (ICC) recently issued an arrest warrant for him and several other senior officials on charges of war crimes during the conflict in Gaza.

Meanwhile, small protests took place outside the court, where some supported Netanyahu and others demanded he do more to resolve the hostage situation and ongoing conflict.

Cao Phong (according to Reuters, SMH)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/thu-tuong-israel-cong-kich-truyen-thong-trong-phien-toa-xet-xu-tham-nhung-post325069.html