Finance Minister Ze'ev Elkin Testifies in Netanyahu's Corruption Trial as PM Attends Court

Ze'ev Elkin, Israel's Finance Minister, testified on July 15, 2026, as a defense witness in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ongoing corruption trial at the Jerusalem District Court. Netanyahu attended the session in person, an unusual move highlighting the testimony's significance. Elkin's testimony focused mainly on Case 2000, which centers on the alleged quid pro quo relationship between Netanyahu and Noni Mozes, publisher of Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper.

During questioning by Netanyahu's lawyer, Amit Hadad, Elkin described the interactions between politicians and media figures as a standard "give-and-take" relationship, denying that the conversations between Netanyahu and Yedioth Ahronoth constituted a bribery offer. He stated, "Every politician sometimes serves as a source for journalists, managing a reciprocal relationship," and emphasized that none considered such interactions criminal.

The defense requested to cross-examine Elkin, but the prosecution opposed this, arguing that Elkin is closely aligned with Netanyahu politically and dependent on him, which could bias his testimony. Prosecutor Giladin from the Economic and Taxation Division noted that Elkin "does not remember most of the relevant details" and was not called as a prosecution witness for that reason. The judge questioned the relevance of this to the defense's right to cross-examine, but the prosecution maintained that Elkin's testimony was limited and partially inconsistent.

Elkin expressed discomfort with the prosecution for not summoning him as a witness, asserting he could clearly state what he knows without the defense's help. His name appears 14 times in the indictment, particularly regarding his role as coalition chairman during legislative efforts that allegedly favored Yedioth Ahronoth while restricting the Israel Hayom newspaper. The indictment claims Netanyahu concealed from Mozes Elkin's plan to stall a bill against Israel Hayom by routing it to the Knesset committee stage. It also alleges Netanyahu withheld information from Elkin about his discussions with Mozes.

The trial continues as the court examines the complex political and media relationships at the heart of the corruption allegations against Netanyahu.