Netanyahu's Press Conference: A Rare Outburst Ahead of Testimony in Corruption Trial on Tuesday

In a rare and contentious press conference on Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched a vehement attack on the country’s legal system, using the occasion to frame himself as a victim of political persecution. His remarks, made just hours before his highly anticipated testimony in his ongoing corruption trial, sought to rally his supporters by portraying the legal process as a “hunting expedition” against him.

During the press conference, Netanyahu deflected attention from his upcoming testimony by claiming that the justice system had "denied him privileges"—despite his legal team's numerous concessions and special arrangements throughout the trial. Without directly calling for action, he subtly encouraged his supporters, the so-called “B.I.B.ists,” to protest outside the Tel Aviv District Court, signaling them to show up and demonstrate against the court.

A Monologue of Persecution and Legacy

The prime minister’s statement quickly turned into a monologue that blended self-praise with accusations against the judiciary. Netanyahu began by highlighting what he called his "legacy" in reshaping the Middle East, only to quickly pivot to his complaints about the trial. He painted himself as a martyr for Israel’s cause, speaking about the "endless risks" he had taken for the country.

At one point, Netanyahu said, “I am not asking for privileges, but I am not asking for any less privileges either,” as he recounted what he described as the “abuses” he had suffered at the hands of the legal system. He accused his opponents of orchestrating a “political hunting expedition” and claimed that the public understood the situation.

A Distraction From National Tragedy

While Netanyahu framed himself as the victim of a grand conspiracy, the country was reeling from a deadly day of violence. On Monday, news broke that seven Israeli soldiers had been killed in combat in Lebanon and Gaza. The prime minister, however, spent the majority of his press conference attacking the judiciary rather than addressing the tragic loss of life or the ongoing security threats facing the country.

As Israel mourned the fallen soldiers, including pilots and soldiers on the frontlines in Syria and Gaza, Netanyahu’s focus remained squarely on his legal battle. He also made headlines for failing to remember the number of hostages being held by Hamas—an oversight that further distanced him from the immediate concerns of the nation.

Attacking the Media and Law Enforcement

In addition to criticizing the courts, Netanyahu aimed at the Israeli media, specifically journalists Michael Shemesh of the state broadcaster and Yolan Cohen of Channel 12, who have covered his trial and the plight of the hostages. Netanyahu’s words echoed a familiar pattern seen in populist leaders around the world, including Donald Trump, as he sought to discredit the media and distract from his legal troubles.

He also attacked government officials who had stood firm on the necessity of his testimony, including Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana and other members of his cabinet. Netanyahu suggested that the investigation into him was politically motivated and called it a "political witch hunt," accusing the legal system of engaging in "spy games" and "falsifying protocols."

Rhetoric Over Substance

Much of Netanyahu's press conference seemed designed to prepare the ground for his testimony the following day. He repeatedly referenced the supposed injustices he had suffered, particularly accusing state witnesses, such as Nir Hefetz, of being part of a conspiracy against him. He even compared the interrogations of key figures in the case to the brutal conditions in Syrian prisons.

However, his dramatic rhetoric is likely to face serious scrutiny when cross-examination begins. As Netanyahu's defense lawyers prepare to confront uncomfortable evidence and witnesses in the coming days, the public will see whether his emotional outbursts can withstand the pressure of legal scrutiny.

A Long-Awaited Testimony

In the press conference, Netanyahu claimed, "I've been waiting for this day for eight years," despite his legal team’s repeated efforts to delay his trial. Netanyahu's lawyers have attempted numerous strategies to postpone the proceedings, including threatening legal action against the Attorney General and the court for insisting that he testify.

As he prepares to take the stand, Netanyahu's supporters and critics alike are bracing for a pivotal moment in Israel's political history. Whether his testimony will alter the course of the trial or simply be another chapter in his ongoing political drama remains to be seen.

The Trial Continues: What’s Next?

Netanyahu's testimony is set to be a key moment in his trial, but as his emotional and inflammatory rhetoric suggests, he is likely to continue using the courts as a stage for political theatrics. Whether he will ever face the full extent of cross-examination remains uncertain, but the case against him continues to unfold, with serious implications for his political future and Israel’s democracy.