A key witness of the corruption trial against the former prime minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu said that the minister got many gifts from his visitors.Â
Highlights
- A court trial is ongoing against the former prime minister of Israel.
- The trial is about the corruption of the politician.
- A key witness in his trial said that he would receive many gifts from billionaires.
- Champagne, jewelries and cigars were a few of the gifts.
A court trial is going against the former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu which is about his corrupted history.
A key witness in this trial has testified that her billionaire boss ordered her to deliver gifts to the then Israeli premier in a scandal at the center of Israel’s crisis. These gifts include champagne, expensive jewelry and cigars.
These gifts were from Netanyahu’s wealthy friends. This is the subject of one of the three corruption cases against him. He denies every accusation and allegation as well as says this is a part of an attempt to oust him.
Hadas Klein, an assistant of Netanyahu’s friends testified on Tuesday that he loves gifts and pink champagne and cigars. The ongoing trial in its second year is addressing the allegation that while he was in office he accepted gifts worth millions from Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan and Australian billionaire James Packer.
Klein is Milchan’s longtime assistant. She told the court that she was to buy gifts for the PM and his wife so Milchan can stay in the couple’s good books. She also said that if you come empty- handed, you won’t be invited again.
Netanyahu used power for personal interest
In an testimony on Wednesday, she presents receipts for cigars that cost up to some $12,000 and also describes the demands of the ex- PM wife, Sara Netanyahu’s demand for bottles of champagne and jewelry. Klein also elaborates the mistreatment she faced during the emotional testimony. She heard insults by the prime-minister’s wife when she could not provide the requested gifts.
The accusation claims that Benjamin Netanyahu used his position to further Milchan’s interest, which shows an issue between his personal friendship and public and political duties.
Netanyahu has done many personal favors for Milchan. It also includes asking US officials to extend the Hollywood producer’s US resident permit. Thus, extending Israeli regulations exempting Israeli returnees from declaring foreign income.
However, Netanyahu refutes every claim of wrongdoing. he also says he was not acting in the personal interest of Milchan. he also said even sometimes acted against them. He further said the gifts were just a friendly gesture.
