Israeli film producer and businessman Arnon Milchan, who lives in Los Angeles, confirmed on Monday at the Old Ship Hotel hall in Brighton, England, that he bought gifts, including champagne bottles, cigars and a necklace, for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, but he claimed not knowing that this was legally problematic and not receiving favors in return.
The Israeli Embassy in London rented the hotel hall for Milchan's testimony, which started over the weekend and is expected to continue through Tuesday.
Milchan also admitted he sought Netanyahu’s assistance in renewing his American visa in 2014, but he added that at the time he was extremely stressed over the matter and spoke openly about his problem with practically each Israeli or American official he met, including former Secretary of State John Kerry who told him he was unable to help him because visas are homeland security issues.
Milchan testified at the graft trial of Netanyahu at the request of Israel’s prosecution. During his testimony, Milchan explained that he maintained especially friendly relations with Netanyahu, though these soured with the investigation that was opened against the premier. Milchan testified remotely on Monday for the second day in a row, after the Jerusalem District Court accepted his request not to travel to Israel for the trial. Initially, after accepting his request to testify remotely, Milchan was set to testify from the Israeli Embassy in London, but the testimony was relocated to Brighton for security reasons.
