Netanyahu Testifies in Corruption Trial: Denies Allegations of Media Bribery Scheme

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took the stand on Wednesday in his ongoing corruption trial, addressing allegations that Communications Ministry officials, allegedly acting on his behalf, manipulated policies to benefit Bezeq owner Shaul Elovitch. Netanyahu denied any wrongdoing, asserting that investigators had manipulated officials' testimonies to build a case against him and suggested the media bribery scheme was unfounded.

The trial revolves around Netanyahu's alleged involvement in advancing telecommunications policies, including a controversial 2015 Bezeq-Yes merger, in exchange for favorable media coverage on Walla News, which was owned by Elovitch. Defense attorney Amit Hadad pointed out that key figures, such as Communications Ministry chief of staff Eitan Tzafrir, were not called to testify, despite their significance to the prosecution's case. Netanyahu stated that investigators never expected the legal process to reach trial and had assumed the case would be resolved through a plea deal.

Netanyahu also denied any knowledge of meetings between Elovitch and Tzafrir regarding the Bezeq deal and claimed he had never ordered meetings between aide David Sharan and Bezeq executives. Hadad argued that these meetings were purely based on personal relationships, not a bribery scheme.

Throughout his testimony, Netanyahu maintained that investigators had distorted witness testimonies and blackmailed individuals to create a false narrative. He argued that his push for telecommunications reforms, including breaking up Bezeq's monopoly, was done with the country's democracy in mind, not to benefit Elovitch.

The defense also highlighted articles critical of Netanyahu, published by Walla News, to challenge the idea that he had received positive coverage in exchange for favors. In a particularly pointed comment, Netanyahu accused the prosecution of "guilt by association," using negative coverage of an electrician working on his residence to suggest corruption where there was none.

As the trial progresses, tensions continue to rise, with judges expressing frustration over the length of the proceedings. The defense has until next week to present their explanation regarding the public release of meeting minutes, and a new testimony schedule for Netanyahu will be discussed in the coming days.