Netanyahu: Trial is ‘witch hunt,’ nation will see the truth after testimony

In a dramatic press conference on the evening prior to the beginning of his criminal trial testimony, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lashed out at Israel’s law enforcement and the media, accusing the former of a “political” investigation and a “witch hunt” intended to bring him down.

The prime minister accused law enforcement of an organized “method,” which began with harsh investigations of “dozens” of people in his vicinity and then with “fabricating” crimes that he did not commit.

Netanyahu linked the indictment of one of his aides, Eliezer Feldstein, to his own trial – for leaking top-secret information to foreign press – arguing that law enforcement treated Feldstein in ways that were “undemocratic,” charging that in this case as well, investigators pressured him to provide information about the prime minister himself.

Netanyahu gave as another example an ongoing investigation into Israel Prison Service head Koby Yaakobi and another senior police officer, the former reportedly for alerting the latter about suspicions that the police officer had provided National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir with classified information in exchange for a promotion.

Yaakobi was detained for questioning by police investigators, who pulled him over while he was driving and did not give him prior notice. This was also an example of bad conduct by law enforcement, Netanyahu claimed.

The prime minister’s comments regarding the trial came as an answer to reporters’ questions following a statement in which he laid out Israel’s achievements in the war, arguing that they were a result of his ability to withstand pressure on him “from without and from within” to stop the war.

Netanyahu attacked individual reporters, including KAN’s Michael Shemesh and Channel 12’s Yolan Cohen, accusing them of spreading lies. However, the prime minister himself made a number of comments that contradicted his earlier statements or were misleading.

For example, he claimed in response to a question by Shemesh that he knew Feldstein and believed that he was a patriot; Shemesh pointed out the prime minister’s first official response to the affair was to deny any connection to Feldstein.

The prime minister has refused to form a national commission of inquiry into the October 7 Hamas massacre, attempting instead to form an ad-hoc committee whose members will be appointed by Members of the Knesset from the coalition and opposition.

In response to a question on the matter, Netanyahu said that there were many people who did not approve of a national commission of inquiry. However, numerous polls have shown recently that a significant majority of Israelis prefer a national commission of inquiry over any other form of investigation.

Netanyahu has said in the past that the trial would not affect his ability to fulfill his duties, and he repeated the claim at the press conference on Monday, giving as an example the Abraham Accords and his government’s performance during the COVID-19 crisis.

The prime minister said that he was eager to testify and that claims he was attempting to evade his testimony were false. He then claimed, however, that testifying three times a week was “extraordinary.” Netanyahu has requested numerous delays in the trial in general and his testimony in particular, even after receiving a five-month delay that began in July.

Families of the “October Council” responded to the prime minister’s remarks on a state commission of inquiry, saying, “The public has spoken loud and clear. Over 80% of Israeli citizens demand a state commission of inquiry into the catastrophic failure of October 7.”

“We, the bereaved families, families of hostages, and evacuees, urge the government to honor the will of the people. We will stand firm and united against any attempt to form a political whitewashing committee,” the statement said.

After the clash between the prime minister and journalists during the question and answer session, The Journalists Organization put out the following statement, saying that it “strongly condemns Prime Minister Netanyahu’s incitement and attacks against journalists who are simply doing their job and serving the public interest.”

“We stand firmly with journalists Yolan Cohen and Michael Shemesh as they carry out their professional responsibilities. The role of the media is to ask tough questions of the prime minister—any prime minister.”

“A bribe? We prefer honest answers and respectful treatment of democracy’s watchdogs,” it said.

In the second case, known as Case 2000, Netanyahu is suspected of proposing a deal to Yediot Aharonot owner Arnon (Noni) Mozes, whereby he would target Yediot’s main competitor, Israel Hayom, in exchange for positive coverage.

In the third case, known as Case 4000, Netanyahu is suspected of providing Shaul Elovitch, a major shareholder of a number of communications and media companies, including Bezek, with regulatory benefits in exchange for positive coverage from Walla, which Elovitch also owned. In this case, Netanyahu was indicted for bribery on top of fraud and breach of trust.

Yair Lapid responds

After the press conference, Opposition leader Yair Lapid said, "On a day when four soldiers were killed in the North and three more in the Gaza Strip, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu focused on one thing only: himself. His speech was a disgraceful display of self-aggrandizement."

"For anyone questioning why an individual facing criminal indictments cannot serve as prime minister, last night’s press conference provided the answers. It was a parade of falsehoods and self-praise, with Netanyahu brazenly claiming credit for the achievements of the defense establishment, whose bravery contrasted starkly with his ineffectual leadership."

"Netanyahu’s press conference did not address the nation’s concerns or provide reassurance. Instead, it served his personal agenda, coinciding with his upcoming court testimony. His assertion that he has been "waiting eight years to testify" is nothing short of farcical. Delays occurred because he exploited every legal loophole to avoid accountability. The legal system is not persecuting him; rather, he is haunted by his own past. Netanyahu broke the law, and he must be held accountable."

"Israel does not need Netanyahu to manage the current security crisis. In fact, his leadership contributed to the current turmoil. He bears responsibility for October 7, the war, and the continued captivity of hostages. Moreover, his government, characterized by extremist elements, has deepened societal divisions and undermined national resilience."

"Netanyahu must step aside to stand trial, negotiate a plea deal if he chooses, and allow Israel to restore stability and sanity. The State of Israel needs a path forward unimpeded by his divisive leadership."

National Unity leader Benny Gantz posted on X/Twitter, saying, "This evening, as we mourn the loss of seven of our finest, the people of Israel deserve a prime minister who is moved and shaken when speaking about our hostages and fallen—not when the conversation turns to himself."

בערב הזה, שבו נפלו שבעה מטובי בנינו, עם ישראל ראוי לראש ממשלה שנסער כשהוא מדבר על חטופינו וחללינו, ולא כששואלים אותו על עצמו.נתניהו מתבלבל בין עוצמה לחולשה.אני לא מצטער על כך שדחפתי לתמרון כשנתניהו היסס.אני לא מתנצל על כך שדחפתי לעסקת החטופים הראשונה שנתניהו ניסה למסמס מטעמים…

— בני גנץ - Benny Gantz (@gantzbe) December 9, 2024

"It is deeply troubling that, in the name of his personal legal battle, Netanyahu is undermining the judicial system and fragmenting our society."

Families from the 'October Council' respond to the Prime Minister's remarks on a state commission of inquiry, saying, "The public has spoken loud and clear. Over 80% of Israeli citizens demand a state commission of inquiry into the catastrophic failure of October 7."

"We, the bereaved families, families of hostages, and evacuees, urge the government to honor the will of the people. We will stand firm and united against any attempt to form a political whitewashing committee," the statement added.

After the clash between the prime minister and journalists during the question and answer session, The Journalists Organization put out the following statement, saying, "The Journalists' Organization strongly condemns Prime Minister Netanyahu’s incitement and attacks against journalists who are simply doing their job and serving the public interest."

"We stand firmly with journalists Yulan Cohen and Michael Shemesh as they carry out their professional responsibilities. The role of the media is to ask tough questions of the Prime Minister—any Prime Minister."

"A bribe? We prefer honest answers and respectful treatment of democracy’s watchdogs."