Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, charged with bribery, fraud and breach of trust, claimed at the start of his corruption trial that the proceedings have been orchestrated by his political opponents to oust him from power.
The proceedings mark the first time in Israel’s history that a serving leader has stood trial. Meaning that something must have really gone wrong in the promised land?
Netanyahu also accused prosecutors of conspiring to “tailor” a case against him, and claimed that the evidence that led to his indictment was “contaminated.”
He called for the trial to be broadcast live to ensure transparency. The 70-year-old faces charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust, and has been indicted in three separate cases.
In two of those cases, he is accused of granting favors to media executives in exchange for flattering news coverage of him and his family. The third case alleges that he received bribes from powerful businessmen.
Hundreds of demonstrators assembled outside Netanyahu’s residence ahead of the court hearing, shouting slogans such as “crime minister,” while a group of his supporters held a rally outside the courthouse.
Israelis are deeply divided over the process, well illustrated by the country’s highly fractured government.
Three inconclusive elections, spanning over more than a year, have resulted in an uneasy coalition between Netanyahu’s Likud Party and Blue and White, led by former genocide leader and army chief Benny Gantz.
The trial is expected to be a drawn-out legal battle and Netanyahu will remain prime minister during the process. As part of the deal with Blue and White, Bibi will step down after 18 months and hand the reins over to Gantz.
The charges of wrongdoing also extend to Netanyahu’s wife, Sara. Last year, she agreed to a plea deal with prosecutors over allegations that she had misused state funds. Under the deal, she said that she would reimburse the state $12,440 and pay $2,770 in fines.
His crimes against humanity are endless & he should be hung but will probably get off in no-time to continue his agenda as before.
His other supporters, that he has supported for many years, won’t allow for his indiction either. How many witnesses will either not be allowed, not show up or will be silenced forever?
RT. com / ABC Flash Point News 2020.
The Israeli regime always had mass murderers as their leaders. Already 5.7 million Palestinians have been deported to refugee camps in the Middle East.
Millions more to follow?
Satanyahu at his best?
He is the world’s greatest crime boss?