Prefer Jewish News on Google
Israeli expats stage protest at Netanyahu corruption trial hearing in Brighton
Benjamin Netanyahu's wife Sara is present at Sussex courtroom, as Defend Israeli Democracy protesters gather as movie producer Arnon Milchan gives evidence in the case
Around 200 Israeli expats staged a noisy and colourful protest outside a courtroom in Brighton, Sussex, on Sunday as a Hollywood producer made his video testimony in the Benjamin Netanyahu corruption trial.
Arnon Milchan, most famous for his production role in the Pretty Woman blockbuster, is a key witness one of the three corruption cases against the Israeli PM.
Netanyahu’s wife Sara was present during the proceedings having arrived via a hotel entrance to avoid clashing with protesters from the Defend Israeli Democracy movement.
Prosecutors in the trial allege that Netanyahu and his wife accepted luxury gifts in quid pro quo dealings with Milchan and the Australian billionaire James Packer.
The Israeli PM denies all allegations.
Milchan, who lives in Sussex, began his two-week testimony by greeting Netanyahu, who was viewing the proceedings for a Jerusalem courtroom.
He was set to be quizzed about the reason for gifts, including cigars and champagne bottles, being sent to the Israeli leader.
Security concerns were said to be a reason for staging the hearing in Brighton, rather than in central London.
https://twitter.com/IsraeliDefend/status/1672910982224437249
But outside the Brighton venue protesters held up placards and Israeli flags, which have become synonymous with the Defend Israeli Democracy movement.
One sign read “If there is no bread, let them drink champagne” referred to allegations over gifts received by the Netanyahus. Another said “fraud” and “breach of trust” – to mirror the claims lodged by prosecutors against the Israeli PM.
Sharon Shochat, one of Defend Israeli Democracy’s leading figures in the UK said of the decision to congregate on the south coast: “An indicted prime minister is not fit for government, and we will be reminding him that from every corner of the world.
“Protesters have demanded that Sara Netanyahu, who in ‘Godfather’ fashion will be present at the testimony, should be ridiculed for the corrupt first lady that she is, but this is not personal. We stand here for democracy.’’
Sunday’s protests also featured in Israeli television coverage aired from Sussex.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
