Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been on trial since May 2020, facing charges of fraud, breach of trust, and accepting bribes. After hearing the testimonies of over 300 witnesses for the last four years, the Israeli District Court has called Netanyahu to the stand for the first time. Beginning December 10, 2024, Netanyahu has taken the stand for the first time. He is expected to testify several times a week over the coming months as he confronts the allegations against him.
The most recent beginning in 2022, Netanyahu has served six terms as prime minister over the past 30 years. Supervising Israel’s military action in Gaza, the occupation of Lebanon, and attacks in Syria, he is one of the most powerful men in the Middle East, according to the New York Times. Netanyahu’s charges consist of three cases, based on his providing political favors to prominent businessmen in exchange for gifts and supportive media attention. Despite his ongoing corruption trial, Netanyahu remains in leadership, maintaining innocence after having pleaded not guilty in February 2021.
When Netanyahu appeared in court on December 10, a large audience—lawyers, journalists, and government officials—awaited his long-anticipated testimony. The day began with Netanyahu being interviewed by his lawyer, Amit Haddad. Netanyahu was asked a series of open-ended questions that enabled him to speak at length about his political achievements and time-consuming occupation. He then transitioned to dismissing corruption allegations when they were brought forward by the prosecutors later in the afternoon. In future hearings, prosecutors will focus on cross-examining Netanyahu, aiming to challenge his defense.
Netanyahu’s corruption trial has had widespread implications for Israelis, triggering years of political unrest. Following his indictment, many of Netanyahu’s allies abandoned him, leaving Israel sharply split between his supporters and his critics. This deepened division has prevented Netanyahu from maintaining a steady majority in parliament, resulting in five elections in under four years. Compounding the issue, protests erupted in response to a judicial overhaul carried out by his government, a campaign focused on redistributing power in the Israeli government.
As Netanyahu’s trial continues in the upcoming months, the outcome remains uncertain. While his testimonies will finish in 2025, it may take several years to deliver a ruling. If convicted, Netanyahu could face time in prison. The New York Times reports that many worry Netanyahu’s allies in government will enact laws to shield him from punishment, but there has been no indication of such measures being pursued.
This trial has implications for more than just Netanyahu, shaping Israel’s political future as it progresses. Eyes will remain on the courtroom, and Israeli officials and citizens alike will be awaiting the outcome.
