Jerusalem: A Hollywood producer of blockbuster films took the stand in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial, describing how he routinely delivered tens of thousands of dollars of champagne, cigars and other gifts requested by the Israeli leader.
Arnon Milchan, who appeared by videoconference from the British city of Brighton, near where he is based, is a key witness whose testimony is essential for prosecutors who are trying to prove that Netanyahu committed fraud and breach of trust in one of three cases brought against him.
His testimony, in the prolonged trial, is expected to run all of this week and into next.
Prosecutors allege that Netanyahu wrongfully received almost 700,000 shekels (about $290,000) worth of gifts from Milchan, and from Australian billionaire James Packer, which the indictment describes as a “supply-line” of champagne and cigars.
The prime minister has denied any wrongdoing in this case and two other cases that are being heard in the same trial. Milchan and Packer are not on trial and have denied wrongdoing.
Netanyahu is accused of helping Milchan with his business interests and with US visa status. The prime minister has described the gift-giving among friends as normal conduct and his trial as a political witch-hunt.
Read the article by Maayan Lubell in The Sydney Morning Herald.