Israeli opposition Leader Yair Lapid is expected to testify in Benjamin Netanyahu‘s corruption trial on Monday.
Lapid, who served as finance minister under Netanyahu, is a key witness in the case, which centers on allegations that Netanyahu accepted lavish gifts from Hollywood mogul Arnon Milchan in exchange for favorable government treatment.
Netanyahu is currently facing an ongoing corruption trial, wherein he has been accused of fraud and breach of trust in Case 1000. In this case, he stands accused of accepting illicit gifts valued at approximately $1.9 million over a span of nine years.
Lapid’s testimony is expected to last for several days. He is likely to be questioned about his meetings with Milchan and about inquiries he received from Netanyahu about advancing legislation that would benefit the businessman.
Netanyahu has denied all wrongdoing. His lawyers have argued that the gifts from Milchan were not bribes, but rather friendly gestures between two old friends. They have also argued that the legislation that Netanyahu was allegedly asked to advance was in the public interest.
Netanyahu is currently being tried in three distinct cases, referred to as Case 1000, Case 2000, and Case 4000.
The trial is expected to last for several months. A verdict is not expected until late 2023 or early 2024.
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