Amid multiple conflicts, Netanyahu to testify in corruption trial.

Weeks of testimony are anticipated from Netanyahu.

Amid multiple conflicts, Netanyahu to testify in corruption trial.
Amid multiple conflicts, Netanyahu to testify in corruption trial.

On Tuesday, Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister, will testify for the first time in his ongoing trial regarding fraud and corruption allegations in Israel.

Netanyahu's government is facing conflicts with Iran and its proxy terrorist groups, as well as the fall of Assad's regime in Syria.

In 2020, Netanyahu's corruption trial began, with prosecutors alleging that he traded regulatory benefits for favorable media coverage in secret deals with powerful media tycoons.

Though only 140 witnesses have testified in the trial so far, which is less than the initially anticipated 300, the lineup includes notable individuals such as a former prime minister, former security chiefs, and media personalities.

Netanyahu at press conference
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a news conference in Jerusalem. (OHAD ZWIGENBERG/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Netanyahu and his wife have been questioned by police about the charges, but on Tuesday, he will give testimony for the first time.

The prime minister's testimony will be a challenging procedure that is expected to take weeks, with him appearing three days a week for extended periods. Despite the defense's repeated attempts to delay the testimony, their efforts have been unsuccessful.

Netanyahu has been accused by critics of prolonging and intensifying Israel's conflict with Hamas in an attempt to delay legal proceedings. The prosecution presented its case in July, and a verdict is not expected until 2026, at which point either party could appeal to the country's supreme court.

Netanyahu Gaza
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with IDF commanders in the Netzarim Corridor in Gaza to discuss Hamas activity. (Photo provided by TPS)

Despite accusations of war crimes, Netanyahu is gaining more support in the International Criminal Court's case against him, with American politicians rallying to his defense and the Pentagon rejecting the ICC's decision to issue arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

"In November, Deputy Pentagon press secretary Sabrina Singh expressed concern about the prosecutor's hasty pursuit of arrest warrants and certain processes that have unfolded. She reiterated that the ICC lacks jurisdiction over the matter."

Left: Sen. John Fetterman; Right: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
Sen. John Fetterman, D-Penn., defended Netanyahu against war crime accusations from the International Criminal Court. (Left: Andrew Harnik/Getty Image; Right: JACQUELYN MARTIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Numerous senior senators have indicated their backing for imposing sanctions on the ICC following the issuance of arrest warrants.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

by Anders Hagstrom

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