{"id":135557,"date":"2024-12-10T20:54:18","date_gmt":"2024-12-10T13:54:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/?p=135557"},"modified":"2024-12-10T20:54:18","modified_gmt":"2024-12-10T13:54:18","slug":"netanyahu-takes-witness-stand-in-trial-for-alleged-corruption","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/?p=135557","title":{"rendered":"Netanyahu takes witness stand in trial for alleged corruption"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"fluid\"\r\n     data-ad-layout-key=\"-fb+5w+4e-db+86\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"7910942971\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p>TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) \u2014 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised defiantly on Tuesday to knock down corruption allegations against him as he began testifying in his <span class=\"LinkEnhancement\"><a class=\"Link AnClick-LinkEnhancement\" data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/israel-benjamin-netanyahu-corruption-trial-gaza-war-a84a5a2743d111bb13982be3a4a1ea7b\">long-running trial,<\/a><\/span> becoming the first sitting Israeli leader to take the stand as a criminal defendant. <\/p>\n<p>The testimony is another low point for Israel\u2019s longest-serving leader, who also <span class=\"LinkEnhancement\"><a class=\"Link AnClick-LinkEnhancement\" data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/icc-israel-hamas-warrants-netanyahu-palestinian-arrest-73c854d072e0a1a41b19b2cb2cdd07fa\">faces an international arrest warrant<\/a><\/span> for alleged war crimes in Israel\u2019s war in Gaza.<\/p>\n<p>In his opening testimony in a packed Tel Aviv courtroom, Netanyahu argued that he was a dedicated leader and a defender of Israel\u2019s interests, swatting away the charges against him as a \u201cdrop in the sea\u201d compared to the challenges he has faced protecting his country.<\/p>\n<div class=\"Enhancement\" data-align-center=\"\">\n<div class=\"Enhancement-item\">\n<div class=\"ImageEnhancement\">\n                    <bsp-figure><\/p>\n<figure class=\"Figure\" data-openoverlay=\"\">\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-d30000\"\/><\/p>\n<picture data-crop=\"imgEn-medium-nocrop\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/7eeecfa\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3391x2261+0+0\/resize\/800x533!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F0a%2F45%2Fd81dda755f1483472c69c19682aa%2Fbb5740f5b12749f5b7c2353d6e346d45 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/cbe0daf\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3391x2261+0+0\/resize\/1600x1066!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F0a%2F45%2Fd81dda755f1483472c69c19682aa%2Fbb5740f5b12749f5b7c2353d6e346d45 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/4977d80\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3391x2261+0+0\/resize\/800x533!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F0a%2F45%2Fd81dda755f1483472c69c19682aa%2Fbb5740f5b12749f5b7c2353d6e346d45 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/b9ca054\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3391x2261+0+0\/resize\/1600x1066!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F0a%2F45%2Fd81dda755f1483472c69c19682aa%2Fbb5740f5b12749f5b7c2353d6e346d45 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 600px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"767\" height=\"511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/6915578\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3391x2261+0+0\/resize\/767x511!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F0a%2F45%2Fd81dda755f1483472c69c19682aa%2Fbb5740f5b12749f5b7c2353d6e346d45 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/2ad8cfb\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3391x2261+0+0\/resize\/1534x1022!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F0a%2F45%2Fd81dda755f1483472c69c19682aa%2Fbb5740f5b12749f5b7c2353d6e346d45 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 600px)\" width=\"767\" height=\"511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/7144545\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3391x2261+0+0\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F0a%2F45%2Fd81dda755f1483472c69c19682aa%2Fbb5740f5b12749f5b7c2353d6e346d45 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srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/650619c\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3391x2261+0+0\/resize\/599x399!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F0a%2F45%2Fd81dda755f1483472c69c19682aa%2Fbb5740f5b12749f5b7c2353d6e346d45 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/7bd5d9a\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3391x2261+0+0\/resize\/1198x798!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F0a%2F45%2Fd81dda755f1483472c69c19682aa%2Fbb5740f5b12749f5b7c2353d6e346d45 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Image\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/650619c\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3391x2261+0+0\/resize\/599x399!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F0a%2F45%2Fd81dda755f1483472c69c19682aa%2Fbb5740f5b12749f5b7c2353d6e346d45 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/7bd5d9a\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3391x2261+0+0\/resize\/1198x798!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F0a%2F45%2Fd81dda755f1483472c69c19682aa%2Fbb5740f5b12749f5b7c2353d6e346d45 2x\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/650619c\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3391x2261+0+0\/resize\/599x399!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F0a%2F45%2Fd81dda755f1483472c69c19682aa%2Fbb5740f5b12749f5b7c2353d6e346d45\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<div class=\"Figure-content\">\n<div class=\"Figure-content-text\"><bsp-read-more class=\"ReadMore\" data-more-button-text=\"Read More\" data-less-button-text=\"Read Less\" data-expand=\"ReadMore-expand\" data-limit=\"110\" data-main-class=\"ReadMore\"><figcaption class=\"Figure-caption\">\n<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives to a press conference in Jerusalem, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. (AP Photo\/Maya Alleruzzo, Pool)<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/bsp-read-more><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p>    <template data-bsp-figure-overlay-template=\"\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"CarouselOverlay-slides\" data-slidescount=\"1\">\n<div class=\"CarouselOverlay-slide\" data-slidenumber=\"0\">\n<div class=\"CarouselOverlay-columns\">\n<div class=\"CarouselOverlay-info\">\n                        <bsp-carousel-read-more class=\"ReadMore\" data-show-less=\"\" data-expand=\"ReadMore-expand\" data-main-class=\"ReadMore\" data-more-id=\"\" data-less-id=\"\"><br \/>\n                            <button class=\"ReadLess\"><br \/>\n                                <svg class=\"icon-linkCaret\">\n                                    <use xlink:href=\"#link-caret\"\/>\n                                <\/svg><br \/>\n                            <\/button><\/p>\n<div class=\"CarouselOverlay-info-description\">\n<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives to a press conference in Jerusalem, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. (AP Photo\/Maya Alleruzzo, Pool)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><button class=\"ReadBtn\">Read More<\/button><br \/>\n                        <\/bsp-carousel-read-more>\n                    <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>    <\/template><\/p>\n<p><\/bsp-figure>\n                <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>But the charges have torn open divisions in Israel and complicated Netanyahu\u2019s legacy, which has also been tainted by the war in Gaza and the growing international isolation Israel faces because of it. <\/p>\n<p>Speaking freely and appearing at ease, Netanyahu said he could balance appearing at his trial with his duties as prime minister at a time when Israel is still <span class=\"LinkEnhancement\"><a class=\"Link AnClick-LinkEnhancement\" data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/israel-hamas-war\">fighting a war in Gaza<\/a><\/span> and contending with the fall of Bashar Assad in neighboring Syria.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI waited eight years for this moment, to say the truth,\u201d Netanyahu said, standing at a podium, with his son Avner and several members of his Likud party seated on the courtroom benches. He said his testimony would \u201cpoke holes in the absurd accusations.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Netanyahu will answer during his court appearances to charges of fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes in <span class=\"LinkEnhancement\"><a class=\"Link AnClick-LinkEnhancement\" data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/israel-corruption-netanyahu-gaza-war-scandal-17518bca5b27fc47216eed974e96f3e6\">three separate cases. <\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p>He is accused of accepting tens of thousands of dollars\u2019 worth of cigars and champagne from <span class=\"LinkEnhancement\"><a class=\"Link AnClick-LinkEnhancement\" data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/israel-netanyahu-hollywood-producer-corruption-trial-66bf7a1dadaf12590f8d04fe74415cd8\">a billionaire Hollywood producer<\/a><\/span> in exchange for assistance with personal and business interests. He is also accused of promoting advantageous regulations for media moguls in exchange for favorable coverage of himself and his family. <\/p>\n<div class=\"Enhancement\" data-align-center=\"\">\n<div class=\"Enhancement-item\">\n<div class=\"ImageEnhancement\">\n                    <bsp-figure><\/p>\n<figure class=\"Figure\" data-openoverlay=\"\">\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-970000\"\/><\/p>\n<picture data-crop=\"imgEn-medium-nocrop\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/3b3baea\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5025x3350+0+0\/resize\/800x533!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F50%2F3d%2Ffd28cebf15c3665f091349a5f7e0%2F1650cbfb41ee4e2194210bb4e8bf8ba0 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/7862362\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5025x3350+0+0\/resize\/1600x1066!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F50%2F3d%2Ffd28cebf15c3665f091349a5f7e0%2F1650cbfb41ee4e2194210bb4e8bf8ba0 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/db965a5\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5025x3350+0+0\/resize\/800x533!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F50%2F3d%2Ffd28cebf15c3665f091349a5f7e0%2F1650cbfb41ee4e2194210bb4e8bf8ba0 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/b0837b8\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5025x3350+0+0\/resize\/1600x1066!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F50%2F3d%2Ffd28cebf15c3665f091349a5f7e0%2F1650cbfb41ee4e2194210bb4e8bf8ba0 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 600px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"767\" height=\"511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/2edbf9f\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5025x3350+0+0\/resize\/767x511!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F50%2F3d%2Ffd28cebf15c3665f091349a5f7e0%2F1650cbfb41ee4e2194210bb4e8bf8ba0 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/86b2287\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5025x3350+0+0\/resize\/1534x1022!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F50%2F3d%2Ffd28cebf15c3665f091349a5f7e0%2F1650cbfb41ee4e2194210bb4e8bf8ba0 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 600px)\" width=\"767\" height=\"511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/cec97f2\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5025x3350+0+0\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F50%2F3d%2Ffd28cebf15c3665f091349a5f7e0%2F1650cbfb41ee4e2194210bb4e8bf8ba0 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srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/1c74a22\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5025x3350+0+0\/resize\/599x399!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F50%2F3d%2Ffd28cebf15c3665f091349a5f7e0%2F1650cbfb41ee4e2194210bb4e8bf8ba0 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/3d6c69b\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5025x3350+0+0\/resize\/1198x798!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F50%2F3d%2Ffd28cebf15c3665f091349a5f7e0%2F1650cbfb41ee4e2194210bb4e8bf8ba0 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Image\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/1c74a22\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5025x3350+0+0\/resize\/599x399!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F50%2F3d%2Ffd28cebf15c3665f091349a5f7e0%2F1650cbfb41ee4e2194210bb4e8bf8ba0 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/3d6c69b\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5025x3350+0+0\/resize\/1198x798!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F50%2F3d%2Ffd28cebf15c3665f091349a5f7e0%2F1650cbfb41ee4e2194210bb4e8bf8ba0 2x\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/1c74a22\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5025x3350+0+0\/resize\/599x399!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F50%2F3d%2Ffd28cebf15c3665f091349a5f7e0%2F1650cbfb41ee4e2194210bb4e8bf8ba0\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<div class=\"Figure-content\">\n<div class=\"Figure-content-text\"><bsp-read-more class=\"ReadMore\" data-more-button-text=\"Read More\" data-less-button-text=\"Read Less\" data-expand=\"ReadMore-expand\" data-limit=\"110\" data-main-class=\"ReadMore\"><figcaption class=\"Figure-caption\">\n<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives at the district court for his long-running trial for alleged corruption, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. (Menahem Kahana\/Pool Photo via AP)<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/bsp-read-more><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p>    <template data-bsp-figure-overlay-template=\"\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"CarouselOverlay-slides\" data-slidescount=\"1\">\n<div class=\"CarouselOverlay-slide\" data-slidenumber=\"0\">\n<div class=\"CarouselOverlay-columns\">\n<div class=\"CarouselOverlay-info\">\n                        <bsp-carousel-read-more class=\"ReadMore\" data-show-less=\"\" data-expand=\"ReadMore-expand\" data-main-class=\"ReadMore\" data-more-id=\"\" data-less-id=\"\"><br \/>\n                            <button class=\"ReadLess\"><br \/>\n                                <svg class=\"icon-linkCaret\">\n                                    <use xlink:href=\"#link-caret\"\/>\n                                <\/svg><br \/>\n                            <\/button><\/p>\n<div class=\"CarouselOverlay-info-description\">\n<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives at the district court for his long-running trial for alleged corruption, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. (Menahem Kahana\/Pool Photo via AP)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><button class=\"ReadBtn\">Read More<\/button><br \/>\n                        <\/bsp-carousel-read-more>\n                    <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>    <\/template><\/p>\n<p><\/bsp-figure>\n                <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Netanyahu, 75, denies wrongdoing, saying the charges are a witch hunt orchestrated by a hostile media and a biased legal system out to topple his lengthy rule. His testimony caps years of scandals that have swirled around him and his family, who have gained a reputation as enjoying a lavish lifestyle at taxpayers\u2019 expense.<\/p>\n<p>Netanyahu\u2019s testimony is taking place in an underground, fortified courtroom for security reasons. Outside the courthouse, dozens of protesters gathered, both supporters of Netanyahu and his opponents. A banner draped outside read \u201cCrime Minister\u201d as each side chanted slogans. Some families of hostages held in Gaza also demonstrated.<\/p>\n<p>At the start of his testimony, a judge told Netanyahu he had the same privileges as other witnesses and could sit or stand as he chose. <\/p>\n<p>Netanyahu told his version of events and shared personal details about his life that he might hope would shape the judges\u2019 perception of him. He said at the start of his career in public service he would lose sleep over media coverage but learned it had no meaningful bearing \u2014 in contrast to the prosecution\u2019s attempts to paint him as image-obsessed.<\/p>\n<div class=\"Enhancement\" data-align-fullwidth=\"\">\n<div class=\"Enhancement-item\">\n<div class=\"ImageTwoUpEnhancement\">\n<p>                <bsp-figure><\/p>\n<figure class=\"Figure\" data-openoverlay=\"\">\n<picture data-crop=\"twoup-3x2\"><source media=\"(max-width: 599px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/4728858\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3320x2211+0+1\/resize\/599x399!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F60%2F75%2F92ef18954e77d860d396e5b9146c%2F4024da348da34d4992200ee099a4611b 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/b2e828c\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3320x2211+0+1\/resize\/1198x798!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F60%2F75%2F92ef18954e77d860d396e5b9146c%2F4024da348da34d4992200ee099a4611b 2x\"><source media=\"(max-width: 599px)\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/f8d0c12\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3320x2211+0+1\/resize\/599x399!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F60%2F75%2F92ef18954e77d860d396e5b9146c%2F4024da348da34d4992200ee099a4611b 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/6758f13\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3320x2211+0+1\/resize\/1198x798!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F60%2F75%2F92ef18954e77d860d396e5b9146c%2F4024da348da34d4992200ee099a4611b 2x\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"767\" height=\"511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/ddfbfee\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3320x2212+0+1\/resize\/767x511!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F60%2F75%2F92ef18954e77d860d396e5b9146c%2F4024da348da34d4992200ee099a4611b 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/e55e250\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3320x2212+0+1\/resize\/1534x1022!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F60%2F75%2F92ef18954e77d860d396e5b9146c%2F4024da348da34d4992200ee099a4611b 2x\"><source width=\"767\" height=\"511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/7a1311a\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3320x2212+0+1\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F60%2F75%2F92ef18954e77d860d396e5b9146c%2F4024da348da34d4992200ee099a4611b 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/e770bca\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3320x2212+0+1\/resize\/1534x1022!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F60%2F75%2F92ef18954e77d860d396e5b9146c%2F4024da348da34d4992200ee099a4611b 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Image\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/7a1311a\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3320x2212+0+1\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F60%2F75%2F92ef18954e77d860d396e5b9146c%2F4024da348da34d4992200ee099a4611b 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/e770bca\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3320x2212+0+1\/resize\/1534x1022!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F60%2F75%2F92ef18954e77d860d396e5b9146c%2F4024da348da34d4992200ee099a4611b 2x\" width=\"767\" height=\"511\" src=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/7a1311a\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3320x2212+0+1\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F60%2F75%2F92ef18954e77d860d396e5b9146c%2F4024da348da34d4992200ee099a4611b\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<div class=\"Figure-content\">\n<p><bsp-read-more class=\"ReadMore\" data-more-button-text=\"Read More\" data-less-button-text=\"Read Less\" data-expand=\"ReadMore-expand\" data-limit=\"110\" data-main-class=\"ReadMore\"><figcaption class=\"Figure-caption\">Einav Zangauker, left, mother of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker and his partner Ilana Gritzewsky protest following a Hamas video release of Matan making an emotional plea for his release and describing the conditions he and other hostages face in Gaza after being seized in the Oct. 7 attack, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. (AP Photo\/Mahmoud Illean)<\/figcaption><\/bsp-read-more><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p>    <template data-bsp-figure-overlay-template=\"\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"CarouselOverlay-slides\" data-slidescount=\"1\">\n<div class=\"CarouselOverlay-slide\" data-slidenumber=\"0\">\n<div class=\"CarouselOverlay-columns\">\n<div class=\"CarouselOverlay-info\">\n                        <bsp-carousel-read-more class=\"ReadMore\" data-show-less=\"\" data-expand=\"ReadMore-expand\" data-main-class=\"ReadMore\" data-more-id=\"\" data-less-id=\"\"><br \/>\n                            <button class=\"ReadLess\"><br \/>\n                                <svg class=\"icon-linkCaret\">\n                                    <use xlink:href=\"#link-caret\"\/>\n                                <\/svg><br \/>\n                            <\/button><\/p>\n<p>Einav Zangauker, left, mother of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker and his partner Ilana Gritzewsky protest following a Hamas video release of Matan making an emotional plea for his release and describing the conditions he and other hostages face in Gaza after being seized in the Oct. 7 attack, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. (AP Photo\/Mahmoud Illean)<\/p>\n<p><button class=\"ReadBtn\">Read More<\/button><br \/>\n                        <\/bsp-carousel-read-more>\n                    <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>    <\/template><\/p>\n<p><\/bsp-figure><bsp-figure><\/p>\n<figure class=\"Figure\" data-openoverlay=\"\">\n<picture data-crop=\"twoup-3x2\"><source media=\"(max-width: 599px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/3b6c0d0\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x3997+0+2\/resize\/599x399!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F82%2F93%2F678953f86134b1b4966009ba276a%2Fea3f002249b14d96944dea2383172482 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/4246db8\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x3997+0+2\/resize\/1198x798!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F82%2F93%2F678953f86134b1b4966009ba276a%2Fea3f002249b14d96944dea2383172482 2x\"><source media=\"(max-width: 599px)\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/28ee7cf\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x3997+0+2\/resize\/599x399!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F82%2F93%2F678953f86134b1b4966009ba276a%2Fea3f002249b14d96944dea2383172482 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/2f62fbb\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x3997+0+2\/resize\/1198x798!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F82%2F93%2F678953f86134b1b4966009ba276a%2Fea3f002249b14d96944dea2383172482 2x\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"767\" height=\"511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/5ddb83f\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x3997+0+1\/resize\/767x511!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F82%2F93%2F678953f86134b1b4966009ba276a%2Fea3f002249b14d96944dea2383172482 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/81ac2ea\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x3997+0+1\/resize\/1534x1022!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F82%2F93%2F678953f86134b1b4966009ba276a%2Fea3f002249b14d96944dea2383172482 2x\"><source width=\"767\" height=\"511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/aee1c4e\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x3997+0+1\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F82%2F93%2F678953f86134b1b4966009ba276a%2Fea3f002249b14d96944dea2383172482 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/946e9bf\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x3997+0+1\/resize\/1534x1022!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F82%2F93%2F678953f86134b1b4966009ba276a%2Fea3f002249b14d96944dea2383172482 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Image\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/aee1c4e\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x3997+0+1\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F82%2F93%2F678953f86134b1b4966009ba276a%2Fea3f002249b14d96944dea2383172482 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/946e9bf\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x3997+0+1\/resize\/1534x1022!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F82%2F93%2F678953f86134b1b4966009ba276a%2Fea3f002249b14d96944dea2383172482 2x\" width=\"767\" height=\"511\" src=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/aee1c4e\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x3997+0+1\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F82%2F93%2F678953f86134b1b4966009ba276a%2Fea3f002249b14d96944dea2383172482\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<div class=\"Figure-content\">\n<p><bsp-read-more class=\"ReadMore\" data-more-button-text=\"Read More\" data-less-button-text=\"Read Less\" data-expand=\"ReadMore-expand\" data-limit=\"110\" data-main-class=\"ReadMore\"><figcaption class=\"Figure-caption\">Demonstrators protest against Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu outside the court in Tel Aviv Tuesday Dec. 10, 2024. Netanyahu is set to take the stand on Tuesday in his long-running trial for alleged corruption.(AP Photo\/Ariel Schalit)<\/figcaption><\/bsp-read-more><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p>    <template data-bsp-figure-overlay-template=\"\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"CarouselOverlay-slides\" data-slidescount=\"1\">\n<div class=\"CarouselOverlay-slide\" data-slidenumber=\"0\">\n<div class=\"CarouselOverlay-columns\">\n<div class=\"CarouselOverlay-info\">\n                        <bsp-carousel-read-more class=\"ReadMore\" data-show-less=\"\" data-expand=\"ReadMore-expand\" data-main-class=\"ReadMore\" data-more-id=\"\" data-less-id=\"\"><br \/>\n                            <button class=\"ReadLess\"><br \/>\n                                <svg class=\"icon-linkCaret\">\n                                    <use xlink:href=\"#link-caret\"\/>\n                                <\/svg><br \/>\n                            <\/button><\/p>\n<p>Demonstrators protest against Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu outside the court in Tel Aviv Tuesday Dec. 10, 2024. Netanyahu is set to take the stand on Tuesday in his long-running trial for alleged corruption.(AP Photo\/Ariel Schalit)<\/p>\n<p><button class=\"ReadBtn\">Read More<\/button><br \/>\n                        <\/bsp-carousel-read-more>\n                    <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>    <\/template><\/p>\n<p><\/bsp-figure><\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"Enhancement\" data-align-fullwidth=\"\">\n<div class=\"Enhancement-item\">\n<div class=\"ImageTwoUpEnhancement\">\n<p>                <bsp-figure><\/p>\n<figure class=\"Figure\" data-openoverlay=\"\">\n<picture data-crop=\"twoup-3x2\"><source media=\"(max-width: 599px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/be0b240\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8640x5755+0+2\/resize\/599x399!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Faa%2Fa9%2Fcbe9d453a1f807a3d83ed2655fbf%2F2e57c01715464d3d91fc3b65ac7c7214 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/b287671\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8640x5755+0+2\/resize\/1198x798!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Faa%2Fa9%2Fcbe9d453a1f807a3d83ed2655fbf%2F2e57c01715464d3d91fc3b65ac7c7214 2x\"><source media=\"(max-width: 599px)\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/675b7c5\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8640x5755+0+2\/resize\/599x399!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Faa%2Fa9%2Fcbe9d453a1f807a3d83ed2655fbf%2F2e57c01715464d3d91fc3b65ac7c7214 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/8a3b37c\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8640x5755+0+2\/resize\/1198x798!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Faa%2Fa9%2Fcbe9d453a1f807a3d83ed2655fbf%2F2e57c01715464d3d91fc3b65ac7c7214 2x\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"767\" height=\"511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/f525831\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8640x5756+0+2\/resize\/767x511!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Faa%2Fa9%2Fcbe9d453a1f807a3d83ed2655fbf%2F2e57c01715464d3d91fc3b65ac7c7214 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/f654094\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8640x5756+0+2\/resize\/1534x1022!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Faa%2Fa9%2Fcbe9d453a1f807a3d83ed2655fbf%2F2e57c01715464d3d91fc3b65ac7c7214 2x\"><source width=\"767\" height=\"511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/deab3fa\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8640x5756+0+2\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Faa%2Fa9%2Fcbe9d453a1f807a3d83ed2655fbf%2F2e57c01715464d3d91fc3b65ac7c7214 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/f9f2076\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8640x5756+0+2\/resize\/1534x1022!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Faa%2Fa9%2Fcbe9d453a1f807a3d83ed2655fbf%2F2e57c01715464d3d91fc3b65ac7c7214 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Image\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/deab3fa\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8640x5756+0+2\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Faa%2Fa9%2Fcbe9d453a1f807a3d83ed2655fbf%2F2e57c01715464d3d91fc3b65ac7c7214 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/f9f2076\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8640x5756+0+2\/resize\/1534x1022!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Faa%2Fa9%2Fcbe9d453a1f807a3d83ed2655fbf%2F2e57c01715464d3d91fc3b65ac7c7214 2x\" width=\"767\" height=\"511\" src=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/deab3fa\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8640x5756+0+2\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Faa%2Fa9%2Fcbe9d453a1f807a3d83ed2655fbf%2F2e57c01715464d3d91fc3b65ac7c7214\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<div class=\"Figure-content\">\n<p><bsp-read-more class=\"ReadMore\" data-more-button-text=\"Read More\" data-less-button-text=\"Read Less\" data-expand=\"ReadMore-expand\" data-limit=\"110\" data-main-class=\"ReadMore\"><figcaption class=\"Figure-caption\">Supporters of Israel&#8217;s Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu, seen in poster, gather outside a court in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024 as Netanyahu is set to take the stand in his long-running trial on corruption charges. (AP Photo\/Ariel Schalit)<\/figcaption><\/bsp-read-more><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p>    <template data-bsp-figure-overlay-template=\"\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"CarouselOverlay-slides\" data-slidescount=\"1\">\n<div class=\"CarouselOverlay-slide\" data-slidenumber=\"0\">\n<div class=\"CarouselOverlay-columns\">\n<div class=\"CarouselOverlay-info\">\n                        <bsp-carousel-read-more class=\"ReadMore\" data-show-less=\"\" data-expand=\"ReadMore-expand\" data-main-class=\"ReadMore\" data-more-id=\"\" data-less-id=\"\"><br \/>\n                            <button class=\"ReadLess\"><br \/>\n                                <svg class=\"icon-linkCaret\">\n                                    <use xlink:href=\"#link-caret\"\/>\n                                <\/svg><br \/>\n                            <\/button><\/p>\n<p>Supporters of Israel&#8217;s Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu, seen in poster, gather outside a court in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024 as Netanyahu is set to take the stand in his long-running trial on corruption charges. (AP Photo\/Ariel Schalit)<\/p>\n<p><button class=\"ReadBtn\">Read More<\/button><br \/>\n                        <\/bsp-carousel-read-more>\n                    <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>    <\/template><\/p>\n<p><\/bsp-figure><bsp-figure><\/p>\n<figure class=\"Figure\" data-openoverlay=\"\">\n<picture data-crop=\"twoup-3x2\"><source media=\"(max-width: 599px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/3e47101\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x3997+0+2\/resize\/599x399!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Ff3%2Fb1%2Fd5cf08ea3163dee18160aff283a3%2Fbb44824f452241e287b0c5891fc93d0f 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/3640d2a\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x3997+0+2\/resize\/1198x798!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Ff3%2Fb1%2Fd5cf08ea3163dee18160aff283a3%2Fbb44824f452241e287b0c5891fc93d0f 2x\"><source media=\"(max-width: 599px)\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/deac95e\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x3997+0+2\/resize\/599x399!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Ff3%2Fb1%2Fd5cf08ea3163dee18160aff283a3%2Fbb44824f452241e287b0c5891fc93d0f 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/e73a3d2\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x3997+0+2\/resize\/1198x798!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Ff3%2Fb1%2Fd5cf08ea3163dee18160aff283a3%2Fbb44824f452241e287b0c5891fc93d0f 2x\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"767\" height=\"511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/3a862bd\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x3997+0+1\/resize\/767x511!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Ff3%2Fb1%2Fd5cf08ea3163dee18160aff283a3%2Fbb44824f452241e287b0c5891fc93d0f 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/47a5a8c\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x3997+0+1\/resize\/1534x1022!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Ff3%2Fb1%2Fd5cf08ea3163dee18160aff283a3%2Fbb44824f452241e287b0c5891fc93d0f 2x\"><source width=\"767\" height=\"511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/97e5e99\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x3997+0+1\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Ff3%2Fb1%2Fd5cf08ea3163dee18160aff283a3%2Fbb44824f452241e287b0c5891fc93d0f 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/7fb9728\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x3997+0+1\/resize\/1534x1022!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Ff3%2Fb1%2Fd5cf08ea3163dee18160aff283a3%2Fbb44824f452241e287b0c5891fc93d0f 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Image\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/97e5e99\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x3997+0+1\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Ff3%2Fb1%2Fd5cf08ea3163dee18160aff283a3%2Fbb44824f452241e287b0c5891fc93d0f 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/7fb9728\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x3997+0+1\/resize\/1534x1022!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Ff3%2Fb1%2Fd5cf08ea3163dee18160aff283a3%2Fbb44824f452241e287b0c5891fc93d0f 2x\" width=\"767\" height=\"511\" src=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/97e5e99\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x3997+0+1\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Ff3%2Fb1%2Fd5cf08ea3163dee18160aff283a3%2Fbb44824f452241e287b0c5891fc93d0f\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<div class=\"Figure-content\">\n<p><bsp-read-more class=\"ReadMore\" data-more-button-text=\"Read More\" data-less-button-text=\"Read Less\" data-expand=\"ReadMore-expand\" data-limit=\"110\" data-main-class=\"ReadMore\"><figcaption class=\"Figure-caption\">Demonstrators protest against Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu outside the court in Tel Aviv Tuesday Dec. 10, 2024. Netanyahu is set to take the stand on Tuesday in his long-running trial for alleged corruption.(AP Photo\/Ariel Schalit)<\/figcaption><\/bsp-read-more><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p>    <template data-bsp-figure-overlay-template=\"\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"CarouselOverlay-slides\" data-slidescount=\"1\">\n<div class=\"CarouselOverlay-slide\" data-slidenumber=\"0\">\n<div class=\"CarouselOverlay-columns\">\n<div class=\"CarouselOverlay-info\">\n                        <bsp-carousel-read-more class=\"ReadMore\" data-show-less=\"\" data-expand=\"ReadMore-expand\" data-main-class=\"ReadMore\" data-more-id=\"\" data-less-id=\"\"><br \/>\n                            <button class=\"ReadLess\"><br \/>\n                                <svg class=\"icon-linkCaret\">\n                                    <use xlink:href=\"#link-caret\"\/>\n                                <\/svg><br \/>\n                            <\/button><\/p>\n<p>Demonstrators protest against Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu outside the court in Tel Aviv Tuesday Dec. 10, 2024. Netanyahu is set to take the stand on Tuesday in his long-running trial for alleged corruption.(AP Photo\/Ariel Schalit)<\/p>\n<p><button class=\"ReadBtn\">Read More<\/button><br \/>\n                        <\/bsp-carousel-read-more>\n                    <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>    <\/template><\/p>\n<p><\/bsp-figure><\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>He said he smoked cigars but could hardly finish them because of his workload, and hated champagne. <\/p>\n<p>Ahead of the testimony\u2019s start, Netanyahu\u2019s lawyer, Amit Hadad, accused the Israeli justice system of making up the charges in an attempt to ensnare Netanyahu.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere was a huge effort \u2026 to find a few pieces of a puzzle that don\u2019t connect to each other,\u201d Haddad said, as Netanyahu sat on a bench behind him. \u201cIn court, in the light of day, we see everything falls apart.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The testimony, set to take place six hours a day, three days a week for several weeks, will take up a significant chunk of Netanyahu\u2019s working hours, prompting critics to ask if he can capably manage a country embroiled in a war on one front, containing the fallout from a second, and keeping tabs on other potential regional threats, including from Iran.<\/p>\n<p>His lawyer asked that he be allowed to receive notes while testifying to help ensure he could continue running the country, and at some points during the trial, Netanyahu did.<\/p>\n<p>Under Israeli law, indicted prime ministers are not required to step down. But the charges against Netanyahu cleaved deep divisions in Israel, with protesters demanding he resign and former political allies refusing to serve in government with the Israeli leader, triggering <span class=\"LinkEnhancement\"><a class=\"Link AnClick-LinkEnhancement\" data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/middle-east-religion-israel-benjamin-netanyahu-0f97b58db3b188bc7512854bd449f8cd\">a political crisis that led to five elections in less than four years<\/a><\/span> beginning in 2019. <\/p>\n<p>Netanyahu\u2019s supporters view the charges as the result of bias and overreach by the justice system.<\/p>\n<p>Despite the pressure, Netanyahu has rejected calls to step down and has used his position as prime minister to lash out at law enforcement, media and courts.<\/p>\n<p>An Israeli court rejected a request by Netanyahu\u2019s lawyers to reduce the expected number of hours of testimony, as well as several <span class=\"LinkEnhancement\"><a class=\"Link AnClick-LinkEnhancement\" data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/israel-netanyahu-corruption-trial-gaza-lebanon-9d6897ab9fa7a40ba6cc79fb45f585c9\">other requests to delay its start<\/a><\/span>, which they said were necessary because of the prime minister\u2019s busy schedule and the country\u2019s significant challenges. A verdict isn\u2019t expected until 2026 at the earliest and Netanyahu will have the option to appeal to the Supreme Court.<\/p>\n<p>Since the trial began in 2020, the court has heard prosecution witnesses in the three cases, including some of Netanyahu\u2019s once closest aides who turned state witnesses. The prosecution has tried to portray the prime minister as an image-obsessed leader who broke the law to improve his public perception.<\/p>\n<p>Netanyahu\u2019s testimony could further tarnish his image at a complicated time. His popular support dropped after Hamas\u2019 Oct. 7, 2023, attacks, with the public blaming his leadership for failing to prevent the assault, and if elections were held today he would struggle to form a government. Israel is still fighting Hamas in Gaza with no end in sight, despite heavy international pressure to wind down the war, as well as pressure from the families of hostages held in Gaza and their supporters to bring their loved ones home.<\/p>\n<p>The Israeli leader along with his former defense minister also face an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes charges related to the war in Gaza. The warrant puts Netanyahu in the same company as Russian President Vladimir Putin and former Sudanese leader Omar al-Bashir.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><script>\n  window.fbAsyncInit = function() {\n      FB.init({\n              appId : '870613919693099',\n          xfbml : true,\n          version : 'v2.9'\n      });\n  };\n  (function(d, s, id){\n     var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];\n     if (d.getElementById(id)) {return;}\n     js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;\n     js.src = \"https:\/\/connect.facebook.net\/en_US\/sdk.js\";\n     fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);\n   }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));\n<\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"fluid\"\r\n     data-ad-layout-key=\"-fb+5w+4e-db+86\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"7910942971\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><div data-type=\"_mgwidget\" data-widget-id=\"1660802\">\r\n<\/div>\r\n<script>(function(w,q){w[q]=w[q]||[];w[q].push([\"_mgc.load\"])})(window,\"_mgq\");\r\n<\/script>\r\n<br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/israel-netanyahu-corruption-trial-gaza-478c957c7749986d5b8b2d039f670d54\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) \u2014 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised defiantly on Tuesday to knock down corruption allegations against him as he began testifying in his long-running trial, becoming &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/?p=135557\" class=\"more-link\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[29],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-135557","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-world","entry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/135557","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=135557"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/135557\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=135557"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=135557"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=135557"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}