Netanyahu exploits Syria chaos for gains amid corruption trial

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Axios
10 Dec 2024 11:00
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Netanyahu's testimony, which he had repeatedly tried to delay and is expected to continue for months, is crucial for both his political survival and personal freedom.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses lawmakers in the Knesset in occupied al-Quds, on Monday, November 18, 2024. (AP)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's long-anticipated testimony in his corruption trial began on Tuesday. Netanyahu's testimony, which he had repeatedly tried to delay and is expected to continue for months, is crucial for both his political survival and personal freedom, as per a report published by Axios.

His testimony comes as he orchestrates a war on Gaza, occupies more Syrian lands amid the collapse of the Assad regime, and faces an international arrest warrant for war crimes.

Dive deeper

Netanyahu was indicted in November 2019 on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. In Case 4000, he provided regulatory benefits to an Israeli telecommunications mogul in exchange for favorable media coverage. In Case 2000, he was accused of fraud and breach of trust over a deal with a newspaper publisher for similar media coverage. In Case 1000, Netanyahu took $200,000 worth of cigars, champagne, and jewelry from businessmen in exchange for promoting their interests.

The trial, which began six months after his indictment, has been delayed due to Netanyahu's lawyers' tactics. Recently, they claimed that the prime minister could be targeted by a drone strike while testifying in public, forcing the judges to move the trial to a secure location in Tel Aviv. Netanyahu's lawyers also claimed that he could not attend court three times a week due to the war on Gaza, and the judges made slight accommodations.

Why it matters

Behind the scenes, Netanyahu attempted to use the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria to delay his testimony, as per the report. During a security cabinet meeting, some ministers urged the attorney general to postpone the testimony, citing national security concerns, but the request was denied.

On the eve of his testimony, Netanyahu held a rare press conference, accusing the attorney general, prosecutors, and police investigators of politically motivated actions. He dismissed the trial as a "witch hunt" that would end with no convictions, and lashed out at reporters for spreading "lies and fake news." Netanyahu insisted, "I don't want to talk? Tomorrow I am talking," emphasizing his long wait to testify since the investigations began.

Despite claiming that his dual roles as prime minister and defendant did not present a conflict of interest, Netanyahu has pushed for a judicial overhaul that would benefit his case. Since his return to office in late 2022, he and his coalition have taken steps to weaken "Israel's institutions", including bills to expand immunity for lawmakers, provide immunity to intelligence officials who bypass the chain of command, and limit the ability to form commissions of inquiry into security failures.

Netanyahu's coalition is also seeking to pass a law that would disqualify Arab Israelis from running in elections, which could significantly reduce voter turnout in the Arab community, making it harder for Netanyahu's rivals to win.

Netanyahu says occupied Syrian Golan Heights Israeli 'for eternity'

The occupied Syrian Golan Heights Israeli "for eternity," said Israeli occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a speech on Monday after 60 years of confrontations with Syria under the leadership of now-ousted President Bashar al-Assad and his father, former President Hafez al-Assad.

Speaking in occupied al-Quds, Netanyahu thanked US President-elect Donald Trump for recognizing Israel's 1981 "annexation" of the territory during his first term of presidency and stated that "the Golan will be part of the State of Israel for eternity."

Netanyahu further underscored that Israeli occupation forces' control of the high ground "ensures our security and sovereignty."

"Israel's" actions are considered a violation of the 1974 "disengagement agreement" between "Israel" and Syria according to both the United Nations and all countries neighboring occupied Palestine.