Netanyahu begins final day of one phase of his corruption trial

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu begins what is expected to be the last day of his testimony in Case 4000 of his criminal trial.

In Case 4000, Netanyahu is charged with accepting bribes in the form of positive media coverage from the Walla News website in return for providing regulatory benefits in the telecommunications field to Shaul Elovitch, who owned both Walla and the Bezeq telecommunications company. He also faces a charge of fraud and breach of trust in the same case.

The hearing taking place in the Tel Aviv District Court has once again started as a closed-door session since it is dealing with media reports about members of his family.

Once cross examination of Netanyahu in Case 4000 is completed, the prosecution will move to Case 2000, where the prime minister is also charged with fraud and breach of trust over allegations that he planned an arrangement with Yediot Aharonot publisher Arnon Mozes in which he would receive favorable media coverage. In return, Netanyahu allegedly was to advance legislation to weaken Yediot’s rival Israel Hayom.