Netanyahu’s trial turns into a showdown with hostages’ families

On Wednesday, September 17, an Israeli court held another hearing in the ongoing trial of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The families of Israeli prisoners held in Gaza were also present at the session. Published footage shows them shouting angrily at Netanyahu.

One protester shouted at him: “1,200 people were killed — the worst disaster in 50 years. How many more soldiers are going to die?”

During a recess in Wednesday’s hearing, several family members of the prisoners shouted at Netanyahu, holding him responsible for the fate of the detainees and those killed.

In Tuesday’s hearing, Netanyahu asked the court to postpone the scheduled sessions, claiming that “important events” were taking place.

Meanwhile, Israel’s Channel 12 reported that Netanyahu requested to leave his corruption trial after receiving an envelope, allegedly to make a phone call.

Netanyahu faces charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of public trust in three separate cases. He has consistently denied all wrongdoing.

He has been on trial since 2019 in the so-called Cases 1000, 2000, and 4000.