Japanese Ambassador Visits Netanyahu During Court Proceedings
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu testified for the 16th time in his ongoing trial at the Tel Aviv District Court, focusing on Case 4000, where he faces charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.
During his testimony, Netanyahu criticized Israeli media outlets, referring to them as a “thought police” attempting to influence public opinion and judicial proceedings. He defended his actions in the communications sector as professional efforts aimed at advancing Israel’s technological infrastructure. Netanyahu expressed concern over Israel lagging in technological infrastructure, stating that seeing which countries had surpassed Israel would be shocking.
Addressing the appointment of Shlomo Filber as Director-General of the Communications Ministry, Netanyahu emphasized the need for someone capable of implementing necessary reforms in the face of media opposition to increased competition. He acknowledged anticipating significant resistance to his initiatives and stressed his determination not to yield to such pressures, highlighting concerns about the health of Israeli democracy.
An unusual incident occurred during a recess when the Japanese ambassador urgently requested a conversation with Netanyahu, leading to an impromptu diplomatic discussion within the courtroom.
Regarding his relationship with Filber, Netanyahu clarified that their connection had lapsed for over a decade before Filber’s involvement in his election campaign, where he managed internet media. Netanyahu refuted claims that he appointed Filber as a “yes-man,” asserting his preference for appointees who provide opposing viewpoints. He dismissed allegations of ideological alignment with Filber on broader issues, labeling such claims as falsehoods.
Netanyahu’s trial, which began in 2020, has been a focal point of political and public discourse in Israel, with the Prime Minister consistently denying all charges and characterizing the proceedings as a politically motivated “witch hunt.”