Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared in court on Tuesday to testify in his ongoing corruption trial, marking the beginning of what is expected to be a lengthy legal process. This is the first time in Israeli history that a sitting prime minister has stood as a criminal defendant, a damaging development for Netanyahu, who has long sought to project an image of a seasoned and respected statesman.
As he began his testimony, Netanyahu greeted the judges with a “hello.” One of the judges informed him that, like other witnesses, he had the option to sit or stand as he wished.
“I’ve waited eight years for this moment, to tell the truth,” Netanyahu said, standing at a podium in the crowded Tel Aviv courtroom. He dismissed the charges against him as “an ocean of absurdity” and vowed that his version of events would dismantle the prosecution’s case.
Netanyahu appeared relaxed as he began recounting his version of events, offering personal insights that he likely hoped would influence the judges’ view of him. He mentioned how he used to lose sleep over media coverage but had come to realize it held no real significance, countering the prosecution’s portrayal of him as someone overly concerned with his image.
In a request to help manage his duties as prime minister, his lawyer asked the court to allow Netanyahu to receive notes during his testimony.
Dozens of people gathered outside a Tel Aviv court, including protesters calling for Prime Minister Netanyahu’s resignation, family members of hostages held in Gaza, and a group of his supporters. A banner reading “Crime Minister” was draped in front of the court.
While Israeli law does not require indicted prime ministers to step down, Netanyahu’s charges have deepened political rifts across the country. Demonstrators are demanding his resignation, while former allies in government have refused to serve alongside him.Netanyahu overcame this instability two years ago by forming an agreement with smaller far-right parties, creating Israel’s most right-wing government in history.
Supporters of Netanyahu view the charges against him as a result of bias and overreach by the justice system, while his critics accuse him of using the ongoing war in Gaza to deflect attention from his legal battles. The conflict with Hamas began after the group’s deadly October 7, 2023, terror attack on Israel, which resulted in 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages being taken.
Despite mounting pressure, Netanyahu has resisted calls to resign, leveraging his role as prime minister to criticize law enforcement, the media, and the courts.
An Israeli court recently denied Netanyahu’s legal team’s request to reduce the hours of testimony and delay the trial, citing his busy schedule and the national challenges. A verdict in the case is not expected before 2026, and Netanyahu retains the option to appeal to the Supreme Court.
