Benjamin Netanyahu has started giving evidence in his corruption trial, calling the case “absurd” and saying he hates champagne in response to claims he accepted gifts of alcohol and cigars.
The Israeli prime minister told a fortified, underground court in Tel Aviv he would refute the allegations and called them a “drop in the sea” compared with protecting his country.
Mr Netanyahu said he had waited “eight years for this moment” and vowed to “poke holes in the absurd accusations”.
The 75-year-old denies charges of fraud, accepting bribes and breach of trust in three separate cases, painting them as a witch-hunt designed to end his lengthy rule.
He’s accused of granting advantageous regulation to two media companies in exchange for favourable coverage of himself and his wife.
Tens of thousands of dollars of cigars and champagne were also allegedly among gifts he wrongfully received from Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan and Australian billionaire James Packer.
However, the prime minister told the court he hated champagne – adding that he smoked cigars but could rarely finish them because of his workload.
Mr Netanyahu is set to testify for about six hours a day, three days a week for several weeks.
Critics have questioned how he will be able to run the country, keep on top of the war in Gaza and other regional strife – but he told the court he could manage it all.
Mr Netanyahu was passed notes during Tuesday’s proceedings after his lawyer asked for permission for this to be able to happen throughout his trial so he could keep up with state business.
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A court previously denied requests to delay the start of the trial and to limit his hours on the stand.
The prime minister was first indicted in 2019 but the verdict is not expected until 2026 at best.
Mr Netanyahu will be able to appeal to the supreme court, so the case could drag on even longer.
Israel‘s longest-serving leader is also under an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes in Gaza – claims he denies.