Ex-Netanyahu aide testifies former boss obsessed with public image
Nir Hefetz, a former aide and confidant to Benjamin Netanyahu, testified Monday in a long-running corruption case against the ex-Israeli prime minister.
The star witness in former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial testified on Monday that his ex-boss was more than a “control freak” who was obsessed with his public image.
Newspaper editor-turned-political operative Nir Hefetz is the prosecution's key witness in Case 4000, which centers on allegations that Netanyahu offered regulatory favors in exchange for favorable coverage on the Walla news site. The former premier faces accusations of bribery, fraud and breach of trust in three separate corruption cases.
Netanyahu, who was ousted in June as prime minister after 12 years in power, has pleaded not guilty and denied any wrongdoing.
The 72-year-old was at the Jerusalem District Court on Monday in his fourth court appearance since his trial began a year and a half ago. The Times of Israel reported that Netanyahu and Hefetz avoided eye contact throughout the session.
