What's happened
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began his testimony in a corruption trial on December 10, 2024, facing charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. This historic moment occurs amid ongoing conflict in Gaza, raising questions about his ability to govern while defending against serious allegations.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, Netanyahu's testimony marks a significant moment as he becomes the first sitting prime minister to testify in a criminal trial, a situation described as an 'embarrassing milestone' for his leadership. The Independent highlights that Netanyahu has been vocal about his innocence, claiming he has 'waited eight years' to present his side of the story. Meanwhile, Axios notes that the trial's timing is particularly challenging as it coincides with ongoing military operations in Gaza, raising concerns about his capacity to govern effectively. AP News emphasizes the deep divisions within Israeli society, with protests erupting both in support of and against Netanyahu, reflecting the polarized political climate.
How we got here
Netanyahu's trial, which began in 2020, involves three separate cases of alleged corruption. He has consistently denied the charges, labeling them a politically motivated witch hunt. The trial has been delayed multiple times, primarily due to Netanyahu's role as prime minister during a prolonged conflict in Gaza.
Common question
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More on these topics
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Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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Gaza may refer to:
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Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
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Bashar Hafez al-Assad is a Syrian politician who has been the President of Syria since 17 July 2000. In addition, he is commander-in-chief of the Syrian Armed Forces and Regional Secretary of the Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party's branch in Syria.
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Syria, officially the Syrian Arab Republic, is a country in Western Asia, bordering Lebanon to the southwest, the Mediterranean Sea to the west, Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan to the south, and Israel to the southwest.
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Sara Netanyahu is the wife of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. By profession, she is an educational and career psychologist, despite questions that have been raised about the extent to which she works de-facto.
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Lebanon, officially known as the Lebanese Republic, is a country in Western Asia. It is bordered by Syria to the north and east and Israel to the south, while Cyprus lies west across the Mediterranean Sea.