Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu testified on Wednesday at the Tel Aviv District Court in the renewed defense examination in the long-running “cases” against him. The hearings are expected to end in the coming days. He is on trial for bribery, fraud and breach of trust.
The article focuses on Case 2000, which centers on an alleged quid pro quo between Netanyahu and Yedioth Ahronoth and Ynet owner Noni Mozes. According to the indictment, Netanyahu negotiated with Mozes over legislation that would curb Israel Hayom, then a major rival of Yedioth Ahronoth, and over other steps that would benefit Mozes financially. In return, the charge says, Mozes offered to influence coverage in his outlets to be favorable to Netanyahu and hostile to his rivals. Netanyahu is charged with fraud and breach of trust in this case, while Mozes faces a bribery charge.
In his previous testimony two days earlier, Netanyahu accused the prosecution of misleading him. “They are deceiving me, that is clear as day, setting a trap for me, a trap, I fall into the trap. I know it is not true, but how would you know?” he said. He added, “This happens throughout the trial, the terrible things they did. It says a lot about our justice system.”
Although he said he could run the trial while serving as prime minister, Netanyahu repeatedly asked to cancel or shorten many hearing days because of his duties. His testimony is now in its final stage and is expected to consist of only a few more court sessions. Before that, he was questioned by attorney Shahar Kleinman, who represents Mozes.
