Netanyahu: 'Prosecution Deceived Me in Court'

Courtroom Erupts as Prosecution Objects Repeatedly

The hearing grew increasingly tense as prosecutors interrupted the defense's line of questioning with repeated objections, triggering sharp exchanges between the legal teams and the bench. The constant interruptions appeared to frustrate Netanyahu, who eventually requested permission to address the court directly.

"I am a lawyer learning inside this absurd pipeline," Netanyahu declared from the witness stand, his tone sharp and defiant. "I want to understand — they present me with a false representation that Nir Hefetz... they mislead me, they cause me to present two different answers to the court, when if they hadn't done this I would have presented one answer: that it didn't happen."

The prime minister's voice rose as he continued: "Now there is doubt whether I told the truth." He accused investigators of deliberately constructing a trap designed to undermine his testimony and create the appearance of dishonesty before the three-judge panel hearing the case.

Defense Strategy Targets Interrogation Methods

The defense team's approach signals a broader strategy to discredit the prosecution's case by exposing alleged flaws in the investigative process itself. By returning to the early interrogation sessions and dissecting how evidence was presented to Netanyahu, attorney Hadad aims to demonstrate that any inconsistencies in the prime minister's statements stem from prosecutorial manipulation rather than deliberate falsehood.

Legal observers noted that the confrontational tone of Monday's session reflects the high stakes as Netanyahu's testimony approaches its conclusion. Court sources indicated that the entire testimony phase could wrap up within days, moving the landmark trial closer to its next critical stage.

The prosecution has not yet responded publicly to Netanyahu's accusations, though state attorneys present in the courtroom vigorously objected to the defense's characterization of the interrogation process. The judges have not ruled on the admissibility or relevance of the early interrogation materials being introduced by the defense.

Netanyahu faces charges in three separate corruption cases, collectively known as Cases 1000, 2000, and 4000. He has consistently denied all wrongdoing and characterized the proceedings as a politically motivated witch hunt designed to remove him from office.