Arnon Milchan testifies in the Netanyahu corruption trial involving a gift exchange
Arnon Milchan, a crucial witness in the trial against Benjamin Netanyahu, appeared via videoconference from Brighton, UK, where he resides. Prosecutors aim to establish that Netanyahu committed fraud and breach of trust in one of the three cases by presenting Milchan’s testimony. They hope his account will depict the luxurious favours granted to Netanyahu and his wife, suggesting that the Israeli leader abused his position to further Milchan’s interests. Conversely, the defence will argue that Netanyahu’s actions were not in Milchan’s personal interest and that the gifts were merely friendly gestures.
Milchan is currently being questioned by prosecution and defense lawyers in a hotel conference room in Brighton. Though journalists are not allowed in the room, Netanyahu’s wife, Sara, who is visiting privately, will be present. Milchan’s testimony, projected to last six hours a day, is being broadcast in a Jerusalem courtroom, enabling judges, lawyers, journalists, and other attendees to observe and pose questions.
During the trial, Netanyahu has sporadically attended the hearings, and he arrived at the courtroom shortly after Milchan began testifying, accompanied by his security team and aides. Milchan greeted Netanyahu in Hebrew, using his nickname, “Shalom, Bibi!” Milchan himself is not facing charges in the case.
According to the indictment, Netanyahu allegedly used his influential position to help Milchan obtain a U.S. visa extension by leveraging his diplomatic connections, including former Secretary of State John Kerry. Prosecutors also accuse Netanyahu of promoting legislation that would have provided Milchan with significant tax breaks.
Milchan’s testimony pertains to one of the three cases against Netanyahu. The other two cases, in which Netanyahu is charged with bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, allege that he granted regulatory favours to powerful media moguls in exchange for favourable coverage.
The witness testimonies have not only shed light on the three cases but have also revealed sensational details about Netanyahu’s character and his family’s reputation for benefiting from taxpayer money and wealthy supporters. Last year, Milchan’s aide, Hadas Klein, testified that the family had a fondness for receiving gifts.
While the possibility of a plea bargain has been discussed, prosecutors currently intend to proceed with the trial, despite warnings from the judges that proving the more severe charge of bribery may be challenging.
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