Tel Aviv, December 10
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu testified for the first time today in the long-running case against him in the case of alleged corruption. He did this when he is facing an international arrest warrant for war crimes and fighting continues in Gaza. This is the first time that a sitting Israeli prime minister has testified in the dock as a criminal defendant. Giving his initial testimony in a Tel Aviv courtroom, Netanyahu argued that he is a dedicated leader and defender of Israel’s interests. Compared to the challenges they faced to protect their country, the charges leveled against them are like a drop in the ocean. Netanyahu said he was juggling his duties as prime minister with attending the trial at a time when Israel is still fighting a war in Gaza and the overthrow of Bashar Assad’s regime in neighboring Syria. Struggling later. – Ap