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JERUSALEM — A billionaire Hollywood mogul took the stand for a second day on Monday in Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial, acknowledging that the lengthy record of champagne, cigars and jewellery he systematically gave to the Israeli prime minister might have been extreme.
Arnon Milchan, whose manufacturing credit embody “Fairly Lady,” “12 Years a Slave,” and “Bohemian Rhapsody,” is a key witness in considered one of three instances introduced in opposition to Netanyahu. Prosecutors try to show that Netanyahu dedicated fraud and breach of belief.
Milchan, 78, has been testifying by videoconference from Brighton, England, which is close to the place he’s based mostly.
Prosecutors hope his testimony, which started Sunday and is anticipated to final some two weeks, will present particulars concerning the abundance of items given to Netanyahu and his spouse. The items, the prosecutors preserve, led to favors from Netanyahu that superior Milchan’s pursuits.
Netanyahu’s attorneys have mentioned Milchan’s items had been pleasant gestures.
In his first day of testimony, Milchan described a friendship that included some items to the Netanyahus that was common requests and “remodeled right into a routine.”
PHOTOS: Hollywood mogul acknowledges items to Netanyahu might have been ‘extreme’ in 2nd day of testimony
He mentioned the routine turned so frequent that he and the Netanyahus developed code phrases for the items. Cigars had been generally known as “leaves,” champagne was generally known as “roses,” and luxurious gown shirts had been nicknamed “dwarves.”
He mentioned he had instructed his aides to provide the Netanyahus “no matter they need” and was assured by the prime minister that there was nothing unlawful occurring.
On Monday, Milchan mentioned the items didn’t have an effect on his friendship with the Netanyahus till a police investigation was opened and at which level, he mentioned he realized the items had been “extreme.”
Requested whether or not he had ever refused a request for items, Milchan mentioned: “Not that I bear in mind.”
Milchan additionally once more confused that he thought-about the Netanyahus mates, however recounted that he informed police he felt uncomfortable that his items weren’t reciprocated.
Based on the indictment in opposition to Netanyahu, Milchan gave Netanyahu and his spouse a “provide line” of lavish items valued at practically $200,000.
The indictment accuses Netanyahu of utilizing his influential perch to help Milchan to safe a U.S. visa extension by drawing on his diplomatic contacts, together with former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry.
Prosecutors additionally accuse Netanyahu of working to push laws that will have granted Milchan thousands and thousands in tax breaks.
Milchan testified Monday that he had turned to Netanyahu and others for assist concerning the visa extension. He mentioned Kerry known as him someday and met with him at a lodge. Describing Kerry as a very good buddy, he mentioned he was informed Kerry couldn’t assist.
The prosecution and protection attorneys have been questioning Milchan in a lodge convention room in Brighton. Whereas no journalists are allowed there, Netanyahu’s spouse Sara, on a non-public go to to Britain, sat in for a second straight day.
Prosecutors have demanded that Sara Netanyahu not make eye contact with Milchan, fearing she might sway the witness.
The testimony is being aired in a Jerusalem courtroom for judges and different attorneys – who can even ask questions of Milchan – and for journalists and different attendees to look at.
Netanyahu, who has attended a number of the hearings throughout his trial, was on the courtroom each on Sunday and Monday. Milchan, who shouldn’t be charged within the case, greeted him in Hebrew over the two-way video broacdcast, utilizing Netanyahu’s nickname: “Shalom, Bibi!”
Milchan is testifying in considered one of three instances being introduced in opposition to Netanyahu. The opposite two, which embody prices of bribery, fraud and breach of belief, accuse Netanyahu of exchanging regulatory favors with highly effective media moguls for extra constructive protection.
Netanyahu denies wrongdoing, claiming he’s the sufferer of a witch hunt orchestrated by a liberal media and a biased justice system.
Netanyahu’s authorized woes have dogged him politically, placing his health to rule whereas on trial on the middle of a political disaster that despatched Israelis to the polls 5 occasions in below 4 years.
Additionally they have fueled accusations by critics that Netanyahu is pushing a contentious authorities plan to overtake Israel’s judiciary as a solution to escape the fees. Netanyahu denies these accusations.
The trial, which started in 2020 and has nonetheless not heard from Netanyahu himself, has featured greater than 40 prosecution witnesses, together with a few of Netanyahu’s closest former confidants who turned in opposition to the premier.
Witness accounts have shed gentle not solely on the three instances in opposition to Netanyahu but additionally revealed sensational particulars about his character and his household’s status for dwelling off the largesse of taxpayers and rich supporters.
Milchan’s aide, Hadas Klein, testified final yr that the Netanyahu household “loves items.”
The thought of a plea cut price has repeatedly surfaced, however prosecutors for now seem decided to see the trial by way of, regardless of reviews final week that the judges warned them that the extra critical crime of bribery shall be exhausting to show.
