Protesters gathered outside a Tel Aviv court on Tuesday (10), where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave testimony for the first time in a case over alleged corruption.
Netanyahu, 75, is the first Israeli prime minister to be charged with a crime. He is expected to be divided between the court and the War Cabinet in the coming weeks.
Prosecutors accuse the leader of granting regulatory favors to telecommunications network Bezeq Telecom Israel in exchange for “more positive” coverage of him and his wife, Sara.
He is also accused of negotiating a deal with the owner of the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth for a “more favorable” approach to his government, in exchange for stricter legislation to slow the growth of a rival newspaper.
“A prime minister accused of crimes should be incapable of serving,” opined one protester, while others demanded that Netanyahu do more to negotiate the release of some 100 hostages still held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Netanyahu’s supporters also gathered in front of the court, with one of them calling the accusations “false allegations.”
The leader of the right-wing Likud party attacked the Israeli press for what he called its “leftist position” and declared that he was being persecuted.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denies the accusations and declares himself innocent.
Understand the conflict in the Gaza Strip
Israel has carried out intense airstrikes in the Gaza Strip since last year, after Hamas invaded the country and killed 1,200 people, according to Israeli counts. In addition, the group holds dozens of hostages.
Hamas does not recognize Israel as a state and claims Israeli territory for Palestine.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly promised to destroy Hamas’ military capabilities and recover people detained in Gaza.
In addition to the air offensive, the Israeli Army carries out land incursions into Palestinian territory. This caused much of Gaza’s population to be displaced.
The UN and several humanitarian institutions have warned of a catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, with a lack of food, medicine and the spread of diseases.
The Israeli population is constantly protesting against Netanyahu, accusing the prime minister of failing to reach a ceasefire agreement so that the hostages can be released.
What is the International Criminal Court and who can arrest Netanyahu?
This content was originally published in Netanyahu’s trial for alleged corruption generates pro and anti-government protests on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil

Bruce Belcher is a seasoned author with over 5 years of experience in world news. He writes for online news websites and provides in-depth analysis on the world stock market. Bruce is known for his insightful perspectives and commitment to keeping the public informed.