Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to testify on Tuesday in his corruption trial, marking a critical moment in a prolonged legal battle that has overshadowed his leadership. The trial, which began in 2020, accuses Netanyahu of fraud, breach of trust, and bribery across three cases. He denies all allegations, claiming the investigations were biased.

Netanyahu’s testimony coincides with his management of the ongoing Gaza war, fragile ceasefires with Hezbollah, and regional threats. This will be the first time an Israeli prime minister takes the stand as a criminal defendant. Due to security concerns, the proceedings have been relocated to an underground courtroom in Tel Aviv.

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The allegations involve claims that Netanyahu traded regulatory benefits for favorable media coverage and received extravagant gifts, including champagne and cigars, from influential figures like Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan. The trial has featured testimonies from around 140 witnesses, including Netanyahu's close associates and a former prime minister. Recently, a documentary, The Bibi Files, revealed footage of Netanyahu’s police interrogations, showing a mix of defiance and unease.

The prosecution concluded its case earlier this year, and Netanyahu will now present his defense, testifying three days a week for several weeks. The defense plans to argue that Netanyahu is the victim of flawed investigations. Critics claim that the judicial overhaul he proposed last year and his handling of the Gaza conflict are attempts to deflect from his legal challenges. A final verdict is not expected until 2026, with potential appeals prolonging the process.