JERUSALEM – Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan will testify in the corruption trial of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday, answering questions about an alleged “supply line” of champagne and cigars that was forwarded to the Israeli leader and his wife and allegedly in exchange for help with Milchan’s personal and personal affairs are said to have confessed to business needs.
Milchan, who will appear via video conference call from Brighton, England, near his home, is a key witness whose testimony is essential for prosecutors looking to prove Netanyahu committed fraud and breach of trust in one of three cases brought against him has committed.
Prosecutors hope Milchan’s testimony, which spans this week and next, paints a picture of lavish favors bestowed on Netanyahu and his wife, which allegedly prompted the Israeli leader to use his position of power to advance Milchan’s interests . The defense will try to show that Netanyahu did not act in Milchan’s personal interest and that the gifts were merely friendly gestures.
Prosecutors and defense attorneys will be questioning Milchan from a Brighton hotel conference room. While no journalists are allowed to be present, Netanyahu’s wife Sara will witness Milchan’s testimony during a private visit to the UK. His testimony will be broadcast in a Jerusalem courtroom in front of judges, journalists and others present.
According to the indictment, over a period of several years, Milchan, whose productions include hits such as “Pretty Woman” and “12 Years a Slave,” gave Netanyahu and his wife boxes of cigars and boxes of champagne, which they totaled along with jewelry valued at nearly $200,000 – what the indictment describes as a “supply line” of lavish gifts.
The indictment alleges that Netanyahu used his position of influence to help Milchan secure a US visa extension by drawing on his diplomatic contacts, including former Secretary of State John Kerry. Prosecutors also accuse Netanyahu work to advance legislation That would have given Milchan millions in tax breaks.
“Given the many ties between defendant Netanyahu and Milchan, defendant Netanyahu should have avoided engaging in Milchan’s affairs altogether,” the indictment reads.
Milchan testifies against Netanyahu in one of three trials. The other two, for whom he is accused of bribery, fraud and embezzlement, accuse Netanyahu of trading regulatory favors with powerful media moguls for more positive reporting.
Netanyahu, who is expected to attend some of Milchan’s hearings, denies wrongdoing and claims he was the victim of a witch hunt orchestrated by liberal media and a biased justice system.
Netanyahu’s legal troubles have haunted him politically, putting his ability to rule during the trial at the center of a political crisis that has propelled Israelis to the polls five times in less than four years.
They have also fueled accusations from critics, which Netanyahu is pushing a controversial government plan Overhaul Israel’s judiciary to evade indictment. Netanyahu denies these allegations.
The processwhich began in 2020 and has still not heard from Netanyahu himself, has presented more than 40 prosecution witnesses, including some of Netanyahu’s closest former associates, who have turned against the prime minister.
Testimonies not only shed light on the three cases, but also revealed sensational details about Netanyahu’s character and his family’s reputation for living on the generosity of taxpayers and wealthy supporters. Milchan’s advisor, Hadas Klein, testified so last year The family “loves gifts”.
The idea of a settlement agreement has surfaced repeatedly, but prosecutors appear determined to go through with the trial for now, despite reports last week that judges had warned them the more serious crime of bribery was difficult to prove.
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