Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Tuesday is set to take the witness stand for the first time in his long-running corruption trial. Netanyahu will appear in court under an order that could force him to balance courtroom testimony with managing a war against Hamas in Gaza.
Netanyahu, who has served as Israel’s longest-running prime minister, faces charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in three separate cases. The allegations include receiving lavish gifts from wealthy benefactors and seeking regulatory favors for media tycoons in exchange for positive coverage.
Since his indictment in 2019, Netanyahu has consistently denied any wrongdoing, calling the investigations politically motivated and describing them as a “witch hunt.” In a statement last Thursday, he criticized the judiciary and law enforcement, claiming they were attempting to undermine democracy by targeting him unfairly.
“The real threat to democracy in Israel is not posed by the public’s elected representatives,” Netanyahu said, “but by some among the law enforcement authorities who refuse to accept the voters’ choice and are trying to carry out a coup with rabid political investigations that are unacceptable in any democracy.”
Despite the ongoing Gaza war, the court has ruled that Netanyahu must testify three times a week. This decision underscores the complexity of his position, as he manages pressing security concerns while defending his integrity in court.
READ ALSO: Russian Lawmaker Calls for Creation of National Bitcoin Strategic Reserve
Netanyahu’s court appearances coincide with Israel’s prolonged military campaign against Hamas in Gaza, which began over a year ago following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. These attacks left the nation in shock and temporarily shifted public focus away from Netanyahu’s legal troubles.
However, as the war dragged on, the initial unity among Israelis gave way to growing political divisions. Members of Netanyahu’s cabinet, including the justice and police ministers, have clashed with the judiciary, further polarizing the country.
Before the war, Netanyahu’s legal battles had already divided Israelis and shaped the nation’s political landscape, contributing to five election cycles in just four years. His controversial efforts to limit the judiciary’s powers last year added to the tensions, deepening the rift between supporters and opponents of his leadership.
READ ALSO: Netanyahu Warns: Ending Gaza War Now Would Empower Hamas to Strike Again
Netanyahu’s legal troubles are not confined to Israel. Last month, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for him, along with former defense chief Yoav Gallant and a Hamas leader, over alleged war crimes in Gaza. This development has added another layer of complexity to an already fraught situation, potentially influencing Israel’s standing on the global stage.
Despite the mounting challenges, Netanyahu appears determined to fight both in the courtroom and on the political battlefield. At a press conference on Monday night, he expressed frustration over the way witnesses were treated during investigations and said he had waited eight years to present his side of the story.
“I have been patient, waiting for my chance to speak the truth,” he said, projecting confidence and a sense of grievance. His rhetoric against the judiciary resonates with his base but has drawn sharp criticism from opponents who see it as undermining the rule of law.
Netanyahu’s trial is a historic moment—not only because he is the first sitting Israeli prime minister to face criminal charges but also because it unfolds during one of the most turbulent periods in the nation’s history. Balancing his responsibilities as a wartime leader with his personal legal defense highlights the complexity of his role and the unprecedented nature of the situation.