Israel’s Netanyahu decries ‘absurd’ charges at corruption trial appearance
Al Jazeera
Netanyahu took the stand for about four hours and will resume testifying on Wednesday.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has taken the stand for the first time in his long-running corruption trial, rejecting what he described as “absurd” allegations against him.
Appearing at a crowded courtroom in Tel Aviv on Tuesday, the embattled Israeli leader said the charges levelled against him were an “an ocean of absurdity”.
Israel’s longest-serving prime minister faces charges of bribery, fraud and breach of public trust in three separate cases. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
He took the stand for about four hours and will resume testifying on Wednesday. His military secretary twice handed him written messages, the first time requiring a recess and underscoring his having to do double duty as prime minister.
He attacked the Israeli media for what he called its leftist stance and accused journalists of having hounded him for years because his policies did not align with a push for a Palestinian state.
Thousands hit the streets as police impose curfews in four cities as a preventive measure.
Ankara has repeatedly insisted that the Kurdish YPG militia must disband and called on the US to stop supporting it.
Russia has accused Moldova of plotting a military operation against the breakaway Transnistria region. Analysts think there’s a deeper plan afoot — from Moscow.
Government extends condolences for death of Bouterse, ex-leader convicted for role in 1982 killing of activists.
In his Christmas address, Pope Francis also appealed for peace in Ukraine and Sudan.
Amid high inflation and soaring costs, the monthlong annual entertainment extravaganza is taking a toll on many.
Bashar al-Assad’s fall was a blow to Iran and its regional supporters, but anti-Houthi Yemenis see a rare opportunity.
The first cross-border strike inside Afghanistan since March came after a spate of attacks by the Pakistani Taliban.
One killed in southern Ukraine city of Kherson as Russian missiles cause significant damage to energy infrastructure.