04-04-2024, 06:18 AM
Hollywood & Israel Prime Minster:
An Israeli producer of blockbuster Hollywood films has taken the stand in Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial, describing how he routinely delivered tens of thousands of dollars worth of champagne, cigars and other gifts requested by the Israeli prime minister.
Arnon Milchan, who appeared by video-conference from the UK city of Brighton, near where he is based, is a key witness whose testimony is essential for prosecutors who are trying to prove that Netanyahu committed fraud and breach of trust in one of three cases brought against him.
Prosecutors hope Milchan’s testimony, which began on Sunday and is expected to run through this week and next, will paint a picture of plush favours granted to Netanyahu and his wife that allegedly spurred him to use his position of power to advance Milchan’s interests. The defence will try to lay out its case that Netanyahu was not acting in Milchan’s personal interests and that the gifts were just friendly gestures.
Prosecution and defence lawyers are questioning Milchan in a hotel conference room in Brighton. No journalists are allowed to be present, but Netanyahu’s wife Sara, who is on a private visit to Britain, will sit in.
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