All you need to know about Netanyahu Corruption Trial
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RDA Gulf Correspondent - . December 10, 2024
- . Update: December 10, 2024 8:58 pm
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is being investigated in Israeli courts on several corruption charges and is scheduled to testify for the first time on Tuesday. He faces accusations of bribery, fraud and breach of trust in under three cases that were launched in 2019 Case 1000, Case 2000 and Case 4000.
Everyone must be wondering how it is possible for him to be on trial and also to stay as a Prime Minister? But according to Israeli law, a prime minister is not required to resign unless he or she is found guilty. He or she can remain in office during the appeals process if they file an appeal of their conviction.
Three Cases:
Netanyahu denied charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust in 2019. Three criminal cases are at issue in the trial on 10th december tuesday which started in 2020. He has entered a not guilty plea and denies the charges.
Case 4000 Netanyahu gave Bezeq Telecom Israel (BEZQ.TA) regulatory favors totaling around 1.8 billion shekels or $500 million as per the prosecution. Prosecutors claim that in exchange, he asked for favorable publicity for himself and his spouse Sara on a news website run by Shaul Elovitch, the former chairman of the business. Netanyahu is accused of bribery, fraud and breach of trust in this case.
Case 1000 In connection with claims that he and his spouse fraudulently obtained about 700,000 shekels ($210,000) in gifts from Australian billionaire James Packer and Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan, Netanyahu has been charged with fraud and breach of trust. Prosecutors claimed that Netanyahu assisted Milchan with his business ventures and that presents included cigars and champagne but Milchan and Packer are not charged.
Case 2000 Netanyahu allegedly made an agreement with Arnon Mozes, the proprietor of Israel’s Yedioth Ahronoth daily to improve coverage in exchange for legislation that would limit the expansion of a competing publication. Charges of fraud and breach of trust have been brought against Netanyahu.
What and When will be the Verdict?
Bribery accusations come with a prison penalty of up to 10 years and/or a fine amount but the fraud and breach of trust are punishable by up to three years in jail. Unless Netanyahu pursues a plea deal, it could take several more months before the court gives the verdict.
The trial which started in May 2020 is now set for December 10 today after multiple delays. The legal team representing Netanyahu has made an effort to ask for trial postponement. On November 13, Israel’s top court denied a request to postpone his testimony hearing by ten weeks stating that he already had five months to get ready. The time constraints of overseeing Israel’s battles prevented the prime minister from preparing as per his team.
