Netanyahu Enters Final Phase of Testimony in Tel Aviv Trial

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu testified on Monday at the Tel Aviv District Court, in the latest stage of his retrial-style testimony by the defense in the corruption cases against him. The court is expected to finish hearing him in the coming days, after only a few more hearing days remain.

His lawyer, Amit Hadad, questioned him about Case 2000. Hadad opened by referring to a long period of interrogation and to a clip from the testimony of Arnon, or Noni, Mozes, saying Mozes had mentioned a meeting in 2003, after which Netanyahu replied that he did not remember such a meeting.

Case 2000 centers on an alleged quid pro quo between Netanyahu and Mozes, the owner of Yedioth Ahronoth and Ynet. According to the indictment, Netanyahu negotiated with Mozes over legislation that would curb Israel Hayom, then a major rival to Yedioth Ahronoth, and over other moves that would help Mozes financially. In return, Mozes allegedly offered to skew coverage in his media outlet, making it favorable to Netanyahu and hostile to his rivals.

Netanyahu is charged in this case with fraud and breach of trust, while Mozes is charged with bribery. Although Netanyahu had said he could conduct the trial while serving as prime minister, he repeatedly sought to cancel or shorten many testimony days because of his official duties. Before Hadad’s questioning, he had already been questioned by attorney Shahar Kleinman, who represents Mozes.