Netanyahu pleads not guilty to corruption
JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last night pleaded not guilty to corruption charges at the resumption of his trial some six weeks before Israeli voters again pass judgement on his leadership.
‘‘I confirm the written answer submitted in my name,’’ Netanyahu said, before a threejudge panel in a heavily guarded Jerusalem District Court.
He was referring to a document his lawyers gave the court last month in which they argued he was not guilty of bribery, breach of trust and fraud.
Involving secret
recordings, gifts of cigars and champagne and aides’ betrayals, the three corruption cases have the makings of a political thriller.
Netanyahu was indicted in 2019 in cases involving gifts from millionaires and for allegedly seeking regulatory favours for media tycoons in return for favourable coverage.
He last came to court in May at the start of a trial later delayed by Covid19. He has called his prosecution a political witch hunt, denying any wrongdoing.
He will fight to remain prime minister in the election due on March 23. — Reuters