Israel’s Netanyahu vows to challenge ‘absurd’ corruption charges as he takes the stand in his trial

Associated Press

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has promised to knock down the corruption charges against him as he took the stand in his long-running trial. The testimony Tuesday set off what’s expected to be a weekslong spectacle that will draw unwelcome attention to Netanyahu’s legal woes as he faces an international arrest warrant for alleged war crimes and the fighting in Gaza continues. Netanyahu is charged with fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes in three separate cases. He is accused of accepting tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of cigars and champagne and exchanging favors with wealthy associates. Netanyahu denies wrongdoing, saying the charges are a witch hunt.