Published: 10 December 2024
Last updated: 10 December 2024
After five years of avoiding trial, Israel's prime minister will begin answering corruption charges today. Here are the answers to your questions.
What are the charges?
Netanyahu is facing three cases where he is alleged to have used relationships with rich, powerful men for personal and political gain, including to influence media outlets they owned or controlled.
In Case 4000, he is alleged to have traded valuable government regulatory concessions to the telecom giant Bezeq, in return for favourable news coverage on the Walla news website, which Bezeq owned at the time.
In Case 2000, he is alleged to have attempted to negotiate favourable news coverage with co-defendant Arnon Mozes, publisher of Yedioth Ahronoth, in exchange for government policy that would have benefitted the newspaper.
In Case 1000, he is accused of fraud and breach of trust over gifts, including cigars and champagne, allegedly received from Hollywood mogul Arnon Milchan and Australian billionaire James Packer.
Who are the defendants?
Benjamin Netanyahu, who was prime minister at the time of the alleged offences and is again today.
Shaul Elovich, controlling shareholder of Bezeq group, owner of the Walla news website, at the time of alleged offences.
Iris Elovitch, wife of Shaul Elovich.
Arnon Mozes, publisher of Yedioth Ahronoth.
Comments2
Rachel Sussman15 December at 01:43 am
Thank you for explaining this so well and clearly. It is a good thing that finally the trial is taking place and I believe that whatever the outcome, the State of Israel, the People of Israel, and Jewish People everywhere will be better off.
Ian Light11 December at 09:28 pm
At a time of war the trial is a disgrace but has been proceeding as two power centres in Israel -the Human Rights Legal Group and the Israel is at War and Human Rights have limitations subject to Security obligations group wrestle and score points for public opinion . Netanyahu is testifying to anger the public regarding war priorities even the loyalty of the “Left ” . the legal system wants to remind the public that Tough Genius PM has faults and makes mistakes .