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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly claimed not to remember details of his alleged involvement in corruption 1,788 times during his first official cross-examination, six months after appearing in court, Israeli media reported on Tuesday.
The hearing, described by Netanyahu as “a joke,” focused on Case 1000, which involves allegations that he received luxury gifts — including cigars, champagne, and jewelry — worth nearly $200,000 from two businessmen.
Prosecutors argue that Netanyahu accepted approximately $195,000 worth of cigars and champagne from Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan and Australian billionaire James Packer, in addition to $3,100 worth of jewelry for his wife, Sara.
During the hearing, Netanyahu reportedly responded “I don’t remember” to 1,788 questions, according to The Jerusalem Post. Defending himself, he stated: “Everyone has memory lapses sometimes — even me.”
Netanyahu faces charges in three separate cases — Case 1000, Case 2000, and Case 4000 — including bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. The allegations include offering political favors and regulatory advantages in exchange for favorable media coverage.
He became the first sitting prime minister in Israeli history to go on trial when charges were filed in November 2019 by then-Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit. His initial court appearance was on May 24, 2020, in Jerusalem. He testified for the first time on December 10, 2024, at the Tel Aviv District Court.
Netanyahu denies all accusations and claims the charges are part of a political campaign to remove him from power.
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