Zeev Elkin, a former minister and close ally of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, took the witness stand in the prime minister's corruption trial on Wednesday, according to Israeli media reports. Netanyahu was present in the courtroom for the session.
The trial of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu resumed this morning (Wednesday, July 15) with former minister Zeev Elkin testifying as a defense witness in Case 2000. Netanyahu arrived at the Jerusalem District Court and was present in the courtroom as Elkin took the stand, a development that had been anticipated in earlier reports. The session began at 07:35 Jerusalem, and Elkin's testimony has since produced several notable statements.
According to The Zioneer's coverage from 07:35 Jerusalem, Elkin's testimony unfolded in stages. Initially, he was reported to have arrived at court (version 3). Shortly after, Netanyahu was expected to attend (version 2) and then confirmed present (version 4). Elkin, described as a close ally of Netanyahu, testified about the prime minister's awareness of Yedioth Ahronoth publisher Noni Mozes's role, stating that Netanyahu 'played chess' and knew Mozes was moving the pieces against him (version 5). He further revealed that he had recommended Netanyahu call elections during a period when there was an atmosphere of impending defeat, and that he was subsequently blamed for that advice (versions 6 and 7). These details were reported by multiple Israeli outlets, including Channel 12 and i24NEWS.
Netanyahu's attendance at court sessions is not unprecedented; as The Zioneer reported on June 29, the prime minister was present at a previous hearing, with attorney Haim Glickman awaiting him along the route. That background underscores the ongoing nature of the trial, which concerns allegations of bribery and fraud in what is known as the 'Alufim' (thousands) cases.
The content of Elkin's testimony remains subject to further reporting, and the trial continues. It is not yet clear how his statements will be weighed by the court or whether additional witnesses will be called. The testimony is ongoing, and further details may emerge.
7 developments
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Source and signal
- Internal intake