Israeli leader prepares to face judges: What's behind Netanyahu's legal battle

Benjamin Netanyahu steps into court tomorrow facing multiple charges that started back in 2019 - its his first time speaking directly to judges about these issues. The whole thing began roughly 4 years ago‚ and includes three different legal problems (which he says arent true at all)

The biggest case called “Case 4000“ talks about Netanyahu giving business-favors worth half-a-billion dollars to a telecom company; prosecutors think he wanted good news coverage in return. Another issue “Case 1000“ is about expensive gifts - champagne and cigars from rich friends like James Packer and Arnon Milchan; they say these gifts were worth two-hundred thousand dollars

The third part “Case 2000“ looks at talks between Netanyahu and newspaper owner Arnon Mozes about getting better news stories: prosecutors think he offered to slow down another newspapers growth in exchange. The whole thing has split Israeli people into two camps but since oct-7 attack most forgot about this court stuff

Under local rules Netanyahu can keep his job unless courts say hes guilty and all appeals are done; if found guilty he might face up-to 10 years in jail for the worst charges. Before the recent conflict his government tried to change how courts work which made many people angry - they thought he was trying to help himself (even though he said that wasnt true)