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
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
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.
קבלת הפנים לגברת נתניהו שהגיעה לברייטון ???????? ע"מ להלך אימים על מילצ'ן.#DefendIsraeliDemocracy@BonotAlt pic.twitter.com/uYPf8zOcxa
— Defend Israeli Democracy (@IsraeliDefend) June 25, 2023
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.
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