Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed long-standing political disagreements with former U.S. official John Kerry and President Barack Obama while testifying in a corruption trial.
Fox News reported that Netanyahu faces corruption charges while recounting critical diplomatic clashes with former U.S. President Barack Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry.
The trial, taking place in the Tel Aviv District Court instead of Jerusalem for security reasons, saw Netanyahu enter the courtroom which was strategically located underground. This marked his initial appearance concerning these charges.
During his testimony, which lasted around four hours, Netanyahu didn't just defend himself against corruption charges. He also took the opportunity to discuss his major policy disputes with the Obama administration, particularly about Iran and the prospects of establishing a Palestinian state.
He recalled his early meetings with Obama, where he was pressured to cease all construction over the Green Line, specifically mentioning the Gilo neighborhood in Jerusalem. This pressure was part of Obama's broader push to freeze construction, a demand Netanyahu struggled to navigate.
Netanyahu also delved into his discussions with John Kerry, emphasizing their disagreements over security issues in Judea and Samaria. He expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of Palestinian forces trained by the U.S., a point of contention with Kerry's assurances.
Further illustrating his diplomatic challenges, Netanyahu mentioned Obama's suggestion to secretly visit Afghanistan to observe U.S. training methods, which he rejected, predicting the eventual collapse of these forces post-U.S. withdrawal—a prediction he noted had come true.
The charges against Netanyahu are severe, including accepting gifts from Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan purportedly in exchange for favors and failing to report a bribery attempt by a major newspaper publisher. Additionally, he is accused of offering regulatory benefits to a media tycoon for favorable coverage.
Netanyahu robustly refuted claims of personal gain, citing his long work hours and minimal personal time. He insisted his actions were in the best interest of Israel, not for personal benefits.
Addressing the media's role, Netanyahu argued that had he pursued policies like endorsing a two-state solution, it would have garnered positive media coverage. However, he chose paths he believed were right for Israel, despite the potential for negative press.
He vehemently criticized the legal proceedings against him, labeling them a "witch hunt" and accusing law enforcement and some media outlets of attempting to undermine democracy by refusing to accept electoral outcomes.
Political commentator Amit Segal pointed out that Netanyahu's defense hinges on the argument that his actions were aimed at countering hostile policies from the Obama administration rather than personal media benefit.
As Netanyahu's testimony concluded, the focus remained on how his political and diplomatic experiences shaped his responses to both the corruption charges and his governance style, setting the stage for a prolonged legal battle.
The trial is set to continue with further testimonies and evidence presentations, while Netanyahu remains firm in his defense, framing the legal challenges as an attack on democratic principles by elements within the state opposed to his leadership.
