Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu returned to a Jerusalem court on Monday as the corruption trial against him resumed with opening arguments and witness testimony. Netanyahu, who is accused of bribery, fraud and breach of trust in three separate cases, is the first sitting premier in Israel's history to stand trial, reports DPA news agency.
Among other allegations, Netanyahu is suspected of having granted benefits to the telecom giant Bezeq when he held the Communications Ministry portfolio while also serving as Prime Minister.
Prosecutors allege Netanyahu systematically accepted expensive gifts and tried to improve media coverage of him in return for favours. He last appeared in the Jerusalem District Court in February, when he formally denied all of the charges against him.
On Monday, lead prosecutor Liat Ben-Ari began laying out the case. She said Netanyahu had abused his immense power for personal gain and granted perks to media outlets in order to help him get re-elected.
Ben-Ari, according to media reports, stressed in her speech that everyone is equal before the law and that the indictment against Netanyahu is based on solid evidence. Israel's longest-serving leader was present during the prosecutor's address, after which he left the courtroom.
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