Arnon Milchan Testifies at Netanyahu’s Corruption Trial for Alleged Gifts Exchange

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Arnon Milchan, a prominent Hollywood producer, appeared on Sunday via videoconference from Brighton, England, to testify at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial. He faced questions regarding an alleged exchange of champagne and cigars, which were reportedly given to Netanyahu and his wife in return for assistance with Milchan’s personal and business matters.

Milchan’s testimony is of great importance to the prosecutors, who are aiming to prove that Netanyahu committed fraud and breach of trust in one of the three cases filed against him. Through Milchan’s testimony, the prosecution hopes to demonstrate the lavish favors bestowed upon Netanyahu and his wife, which allegedly led the Israeli leader to misuse his position to further Milchan’s interests. On the other hand, the defense will argue that Netanyahu’s actions were not motivated by personal gain but rather were mere friendly gestures.

The questioning of Milchan takes place in a Brighton hotel conference room, with only the parties involved and Netanyahu’s wife, Sara, present, as she is on a private visit to Britain. The testimony, expected to last six hours per day, is broadcasted in a Jerusalem courtroom for judges, lawyers, journalists, and attendees to observe. Netanyahu arrived in the courtroom shortly after the commencement of the testimony. It is important to note that Milchan himself is not facing charges in this case.

Israeli Channel 13 aired separate footage of Sara Netanyahu and Milchan climbing the stairs of the hotel. In the Jerusalem courtroom, a screen was set up to display the ongoing testimony.

According to the indictment, Milchan, known for producing successful films like “Pretty Woman” and “12 Years a Slave,” provided Netanyahu and his wife with boxes of cigars, crates of champagne, and jewelry over several years. The total value of these gifts amounted to nearly $200,000, forming what the indictment refers to as a “supply line” of extravagant presents.

The indictment alleges that Netanyahu exploited his influential position to assist Milchan in obtaining a U.S. visa extension by leveraging his diplomatic connections, including former Secretary of State John Kerry. Prosecutors further accuse Netanyahu of advocating for legislation that would have granted Milchan significant tax breaks.

“The defendant Netanyahu should have completely avoided involvement in Milchan’s affairs considering the numerous connections between them,” states the indictment, highlighting the relationship between Netanyahu and Milchan, which dates back to 1999.

Milchan’s testimony is part of one of the three cases brought against Netanyahu. The remaining two cases, charging him with bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, accuse the prime minister of granting regulatory favors to influential media figures in exchange for favorable coverage.

Netanyahu vehemently denies any wrongdoing, portraying himself as a victim of a witch hunt orchestrated by biased justice systems and a liberal media. The prime minister’s legal issues have had significant political ramifications, triggering a series of elections in Israel within a short span of four years.

Critics have also accused Netanyahu of promoting a controversial plan to revamp the country’s judiciary as a means to evade the charges against him. However, Netanyahu denies these allegations.

The trial, which commenced in 2020 and is yet to hear Netanyahu’s testimony, has featured over 40 prosecution witnesses, including former close confidants who have turned against him. The testimonies have not only shed light on the three cases but have also unveiled intriguing details about Netanyahu’s character and his family’s reputation for benefiting from taxpayer funds and wealthy supporters. Hadas Klein, Milchan’s assistant, testified last year, stating that the family has a fondness for gifts.

Although the possibility of a plea bargain has been discussed, the prosecutors currently intend to proceed with the trial, despite reports suggesting that the judges cautioned them about the challenges of proving the more severe charge of bribery.

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