As his testimony ends, Netanyahu's credibility remains at the heart of his case - analysis

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has concluded his testimony in his ongoing criminal trial, marking the end of 98 hearing days on the witness stand since December 2024. The prosecution's cross-examination, which began in June 2025, concluded on June 16 after 59 hearing days. Netanyahu's final appearances involved limited defense re-examination, intended to clarify points raised during the rigorous cross-examination rather than introduce new evidence.

The trial centers on three distinct cases: Case 1000, involving alleged fraud and breach of trust related to gifts from businessmen like Arnon Milchan; Case 2000, concerning recorded conversations with Yediot Aharonot publisher Arnon “Noni” Mozes; and Case 4000, the Bezeq-Walla affair, with charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust over alleged regulatory benefits for favorable media treatment.

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Everyone has memory lapses from time to time, even me.

Throughout his testimony, Netanyahu characterized his actions as ordinary, citing friendship with Milchan, a political rivalry with Mozes, and hostile coverage from Walla. However, prosecutors argued that these events, when viewed together, revealed a pattern of personal relationships, media interests, and official decisions converging. A significant point of contention was Netanyahu's recollection, with prosecutors noting he stated he did not remember 1,788 times during police questioning. Netanyahu attributed these instances to normal memory lapses, while the prosecution presented them as part of a broader credibility issue.

The trial will now proceed with the presentation of the remaining defense witnesses. Following the conclusion of the evidence phase, parties will submit their final summaries to the three-judge panel of the Jerusalem District Court, which will then issue a verdict.

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It was not about my position – it was friends