Netanyahu Begins Final Stage of Testimony in His Corruption Trial

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu testified on Wednesday at the Tel Aviv District Court in the so-called “thousands cases,” where he is charged with bribery, fraud and breach of trust. After the prosecution completed a year of cross-examination, the defense is now beginning its re-examination of him.

Attorney Sharon Kleinman, representing Yedioth Ahronoth publisher Noni Mozes, is scheduled to question Netanyahu about Case 2000. That case centers on an alleged quid pro quo: Netanyahu negotiated with Mozes over requests to advance legislation that would curb Israel Hayom, then a major rival to Yedioth Ahronoth, and over steps that would financially benefit Mozes. In return, according to the indictment, Mozes offered to influence the newspaper’s coverage, making it favorable to Netanyahu and hostile to his rivals. Netanyahu is charged in this case with fraud and breach of trust, while Mozes faces a bribery charge.

Although Netanyahu said he could conduct the trial while serving as prime minister, he repeatedly asked to cancel or shorten many testimony days because of his official duties. He asked to cut Wednesday’s hearing by about two hours, citing “political-security needs.” The current stage is expected to be the final one in his testimony and should involve only a few hearing days, with additional questioning later by his own defense team for completion.