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.
