Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan to testify at Netanyahu’s corruption trial as a prosecution witness

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Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan is set to provide testimony as a prosecution witness in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial. Milchan will be questioned regarding allegations of providing champagne and cigars to Netanyahu and his wife in exchange for assistance with his personal and business interests. The prosecution sees Milchan’s testimony as crucial in proving Netanyahu’s involvement in fraud and breach of trust, among the three cases brought against him.

Milchan, who will testify via videoconference from Brighton, England, where he is currently based, is considered a key witness. Prosecutors aim to present a narrative of extravagant favors bestowed upon Netanyahu and his wife, suggesting that these gestures influenced the Israeli leader to leverage his position for Milchan’s benefit. Conversely, the defense will argue that Netanyahu’s actions were not driven by personal interests and that the gifts were merely friendly exchanges.

The questioning of Milchan will take place in a hotel conference room in Brighton, with only prosecution and defense lawyers present. While journalists are not allowed, Netanyahu’s wife, Sara, who is on a private visit to Britain, will be in attendance for Milchan’s testimony. The proceedings will be broadcast in a Jerusalem courtroom for judges, journalists, and other attendees.

The indictment states that over several years, 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, amounting to nearly $200,000 in value. The indictment describes this exchange as a “supply line” of extravagant gifts.

Prosecutors accuse Netanyahu of using his influential position to assist Milchan in obtaining a U.S. visa extension through his diplomatic connections, including former Secretary of State John Kerry. Additionally, Netanyahu is alleged to have promoted legislation that would have granted Milchan significant tax breaks.

The indictment argues that due to the extensive ties between Netanyahu and Milchan, the Israeli leader should have avoided involvement in Milchan’s affairs altogether.

Milchan’s testimony is part of one of the three cases brought against Netanyahu. The other two cases, in which he faces charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, accuse Netanyahu of granting regulatory favors to influential media moguls in exchange for favorable coverage.

Despite the ongoing trial and more than 40 prosecution witnesses, including former confidants of Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister himself has yet to testify. Witness testimonies have not only shed light on the three cases but have also revealed sensational details about Netanyahu’s character and his family’s reputation for benefiting from taxpayer funds and wealthy supporters. Last year, Milchan’s aide, Hadas Klein, testified that the family “loves gifts.”

While the possibility of a plea bargain has been raised, prosecutors currently intend to proceed with the trial, despite warnings from the judges that proving the more serious charge of bribery may be challenging. Netanyahu maintains his innocence, claiming to be the victim of a witch hunt orchestrated by a biased justice system and liberal media.

The trial, which commenced in 2020, has created political turmoil and prompted five elections in under four years as questions arise about Netanyahu’s fitness to govern while on trial. Critics also accuse Netanyahu of attempting to overhaul Israel’s judiciary to evade the charges, which he denies.

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