Netanyahu Testifies and Lashes Out: “It’s Like Talking to a Wall”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu resumed his testimony on Monday at the Tel Aviv District Court, as part of the ongoing cross-examination in his corruption trials. It was his fifth day under questioning from prosecution attorneys, following a record-breaking 35 sessions of direct testimony.

The court session unfolded against a backdrop of deep political instability, as tensions rise within Netanyahu’s coalition, especially among ultra-Orthodox parties, over the contentious draft exemption law. These political tremors appeared to impact Netanyahu’s mood in court, where he sparred with prosecutor Yonatan Tadmor from the State Attorney’s Office.

The previous session, held a month ago, was cut short after Netanyahu cited medical issues. Shortly afterward, the outbreak of Israel’s war with Iran led to further delays in court proceedings. After the conflict ended, Netanyahu requested an extension due to “regional developments,” but the judges reviewed his official schedule and found no sufficient grounds. A rare closed-door session was later held, involving senior security officials including Mossad chief David Barnea and National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi, resulting in another delay. With those conditions no longer in effect, the proceedings have resumed.

During the session, Tadmor focused on Netanyahu’s longstanding relationship with Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan—whom Netanyahu described as a “close friend, like a brother.” Tadmor questioned the nature of Milchan’s connections with other political figures. Netanyahu pushed back, saying, “Arnon only invited my wife to his birthdays. Your thesis doesn’t hold water.”

He added that the relationship was deeply personal. “There was a very intimate connection involving his home, his children. This wasn’t a superficial political relationship—it was something different altogether.”

Tadmor then shifted focus to Milchan’s links with late Indian tycoon Ratan Tata. According to the indictment, Milchan asked Netanyahu in 2010 to support a joint business initiative with Tata that involved establishing a free trade zone across Israel, Jordan, and the Palestinian Authority. The project aimed to create a car manufacturing plant and a vocational training school.

When asked what he knew about Milchan and Tata’s relationship, Netanyahu replied: “He said they were friends. I don’t recall the details, and I wasn’t aware of any business dealings between them.”

Netanyahu defended his meeting with Tata, saying it was part of his broader diplomatic efforts to strengthen ties with India. “I saw this as a major opportunity. Tata was one of the most powerful and respected businessmen in India.”

Tensions in the courtroom rose as the questioning continued. Tadmor noted that the proposed car plant would produce low-cost, polluting vehicles that didn’t meet Western environmental standards. He added that the project requested tax exemptions from the Israeli government. “That’s a huge financial ask,” Tadmor argued.

Netanyahu shot back: “Money isn’t the issue. The goal here was promoting economic peace. That’s what motivated them.” Tadmor replied, “When someone asks to skip taxes and environmental rules, it’s clear they’re looking to profit—and profit big.”

As the exchange escalated, Netanyahu visibly lost patience. “You’re missing the point entirely,” he told Tadmor. “These are noble people who came to build an economy. But your cynicism and inability to grasp that—it's like talking to a wall.”

The court session concluded as Netanyahu left swiftly for the Knesset, where he faces a coalition crisis that could shake the foundations of his government.