Milchan’s Testimony in Netanyahu Trial Extends to Fifth Day

The testimony of Arnon Milchan in Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s Case 1000 trial entered its fifth day on Thursday. Milchan, accused of providing Netanyahu with gifts in exchange for favors related to his business and personal interests, continued to testify in court.

According to the prosecution, Netanyahu allegedly engaged in breach of trust by assisting Milchan with his U.S. visa issues and supporting a tax exemption law extension that would benefit the wealthy businessman. The trial focuses on allegations of corruption and improper influence between the two individuals.

The defense team has argued that Milchan’s gifts to Netanyahu were not motivated by corrupt intentions. They claimed that Milchan and Netanyahu had a close friendship, describing the businessman as a generous benefactor who was “like a brother” to the Prime Minister. Additionally, the defense highlighted that the gifts were given before Netanyahu assumed the role of prime minister and that they were not costly to Milchan.

Netanyahu’s lawyers further contended that Milchan’s actions were driven by his deep concern for Israel’s economic and security interests. They argued that the projects Milchan lobbied for were not solely for personal gain but rather aligned with his dedication to serving the country in sensitive security capacities in the past.

Due to reported illness preventing him from traveling to Israel, Milchan provided his testimony through a Zoom video call from a courthouse in Brighton, U.K. Throughout his testimony, Sara Netanyahu, the Prime Minister’s wife, remained present at the Brighton courthouse.

The ongoing trial continues to shed light on the complex relationship between Netanyahu and Milchan, revealing new details and arguments from both the prosecution and the defense.