Hollywood mogul acknowledges items to Netanyahu could have been ‘excessive’ in 2nd day of testimony

JERUSALEM — A billionaire Hollywood mogul took the stand for a second day on Monday in Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial, acknowledging that the lengthy listing of champagne, cigars and jewellery he systematically gave to the Israeli prime minister could have been extreme.

Arnon Milchan, whose manufacturing credit embody “Pretty Woman,” “12 Years a Slave,” and “Bohemian Rhapsody,” is a key witness in one in all three circumstances 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 in regards to the abundance of items given to Netanyahu and his spouse. The items, the prosecutors keep, led to favors from Netanyahu that superior Milchan’s pursuits.

Netanyahu’s legal professionals 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 become common requests and “transformed into a routine.”

PHOTOS: Hollywood mogul acknowledges items to Netanyahu could have been ‘extreme’ in 2nd day of testimony

He mentioned the routine grew to become so frequent that he and the Netanyahus developed code phrases for the items. Cigars had been often called “leaves,” champagne was often called “roses,” and luxurious gown shirts had been nicknamed “dwarves.”

He mentioned he had instructed his aides to present the Netanyahus “whatever they want” 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 “excessive.”

Asked whether or not he had ever refused a request for items, Milchan mentioned: “Not that I remember.”

Milchan additionally once more confused that he thought-about the Netanyahus buddies, however recounted that he advised police he felt uncomfortable that his items weren’t reciprocated.

According to the indictment in opposition to Netanyahu, Milchan gave Netanyahu and his spouse a “supply 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 tens of millions in tax breaks.

Milchan testified Monday that he had turned to Netanyahu and others for assist in regards to the visa extension. He mentioned Kerry referred to as him in the future and met with him at a resort. Describing Kerry as a great buddy, he mentioned he was advised Kerry couldn’t assist.

The prosecution and protection legal professionals have been questioning Milchan in a resort convention room in Brighton. While no journalists are allowed there, Netanyahu’s spouse Sara, on a personal 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 legal professionals – who can even ask questions of Milchan – and for journalists and different attendees to observe.

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 one in all three circumstances being introduced in opposition to Netanyahu. The different 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 heart of a political disaster that despatched Israelis to the polls 5 occasions in beneath 4 years.

They even have fueled accusations by critics that Netanyahu is pushing a contentious authorities plan to overtake Israel’s judiciary as a strategy to escape the costs. 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 circumstances 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 12 months that the Netanyahu household “loves gifts.”