Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended a court session in Tel Aviv today, marking the first time a sitting Israeli leader has appeared in a criminal trial. Netanyahu, who had repeatedly sought to delay his court appearances, faces charges including bribery, fraud, and breach of trust across three separate cases.

Protesters and supporters gathered outside the courthouse in significant numbers. Supporters chanted, "Netanyahu, the people stand with you," while opponents shouted, "Lock Bibi up!" referring to Netanyahu by his widely recognized nickname.

The trial had been delayed following the October 2023 outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict. However, last week, the court ordered Netanyahu to appear, despite the ongoing war in Gaza and escalating tensions in the Middle East, including in neighboring Syria. "I will speak in court and will not evade this process," Netanyahu said during a press briefing on December 9. He expressed frustration over the prolonged proceedings and criticized how witnesses were treated during the investigation.

Netanyahu is required to attend court three times per week, a schedule that adds significant pressure as Israel navigates the Gaza conflict and regional instability.

The charges against Netanyahu stem from a 2019 indictment that alleges he accepted lavish gifts from wealthy benefactors and granted preferential treatment to media moguls in exchange for favorable coverage. Netanyahu has denied all charges, calling them part of a "witch hunt" against him.

At 75, Netanyahu is Israel’s longest-serving leader, having been in power almost continuously since 2009. His legal troubles have escalated further since last month, when the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for him and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The ICC accuses them of war crimes and crimes against humanity during the Gaza conflict.

(Sources: AFP, Reuters)