Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel took the stand on Tuesday in his corruption trial for the primary time because it started in 2020, elevating the stakes in a divisive case that has disrupted Israel’s political life for years.
Mr. Netanyahu’s testimony is predicted to proceed, on and off, for a number of weeks, creating the spectacle of a sitting prime minister defending himself towards graft expenses, at the same time as Israel continues to struggle Hamas in Gaza.
The case is on the coronary heart of a deep political rift amongst Israelis about Mr. Netanyahu’s character and has led to half a decade of political instability.
His supporters declare {that a} liberal deep state is making an attempt to oust him by judicial means after failing to take action on the poll field. His opponents have known as on him to step down, with some accusing him of prolonging each the conflict and the trial to maintain himself in energy and out of jail.
For safety causes, Mr. Netanyahu gave his testimony from a bunker beneath Tel Aviv as a substitute of within the Jerusalem courthouse the place the trial often takes place.
