<p>Hollywood mogul Arnon Milchan began his testimony in the corruption trial of Israeli Prime Minister <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tag/benjamin-netanyahu" target="_blank">Benjamin Netanyahu</a> on Sunday, in a court session that was broadcast live from an English seaside town direct to Jerusalem.</p>.<p>The trial is being held in Jerusalem but Milchan's testimony was taking place in Brighton, which is close to where the 78-year-old is presently based, on request of the prosecution. The testimony is expected to last several days.</p>.<p>Prosecutors allege that Netanyahu wrongfully received almost 700,000 shekels (around $200,000) worth of gifts from Milchan, and from an Australian fellow-billionaire, which the indictment describes as a "supply-line" of champagne and cigars.</p>.<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/international/world-news-politics/pakistan-court-acquits-former-pm-nawaz-sharif-in-37-year-old-bribe-case-1231092.html" target="_blank">Pakistan court acquits former PM Nawaz Sharif in 37-year-old 'bribe' case</a></strong></p>.<p>The prime minister has denied any wrongdoing in this case and two other cases that are being heard in the same trial.</p>.<p>Netanyahu is accused of helping Milchan with his business interests and with US visa status. The prime minister has described the gift-giving among friends as normal conduct and his trial as a political witch-hunt.</p>.<p>Milchan hinted at a deeper, patriotic cast to the relationship. "I can't tell you how many things Bibi and I did in secret for the country," he said in his testimony, using Netanyahu's nickname.</p>.<p>When the prime minister arrived at the Jerusalem court to watch from afar, Milchan greeted him off-screen with "Shalom, Bibi!"</p>.<p>Criminal probes against Netanyahu, now in a record sixth term as premier, began in 2016 and set off years of political turmoil in Israel.</p>.<p>After a cycle of inconclusive elections and an 18 month-stint in the opposition, Netanyahu returned to power in December at the head of a hard-right government.</p>.<p>Netanyahu has denied any link between his trial and reforms to the justice system that his coalition is seeking and that have drawn strong opposition.</p>.<p>He has been indicted on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust for allegedly granting regulatory favours to businessmen in return for positive favourable media coverage.</p>
<p>Hollywood mogul Arnon Milchan began his testimony in the corruption trial of Israeli Prime Minister <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tag/benjamin-netanyahu" target="_blank">Benjamin Netanyahu</a> on Sunday, in a court session that was broadcast live from an English seaside town direct to Jerusalem.</p>.<p>The trial is being held in Jerusalem but Milchan's testimony was taking place in Brighton, which is close to where the 78-year-old is presently based, on request of the prosecution. The testimony is expected to last several days.</p>.<p>Prosecutors allege that Netanyahu wrongfully received almost 700,000 shekels (around $200,000) worth of gifts from Milchan, and from an Australian fellow-billionaire, which the indictment describes as a "supply-line" of champagne and cigars.</p>.<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/international/world-news-politics/pakistan-court-acquits-former-pm-nawaz-sharif-in-37-year-old-bribe-case-1231092.html" target="_blank">Pakistan court acquits former PM Nawaz Sharif in 37-year-old 'bribe' case</a></strong></p>.<p>The prime minister has denied any wrongdoing in this case and two other cases that are being heard in the same trial.</p>.<p>Netanyahu is accused of helping Milchan with his business interests and with US visa status. The prime minister has described the gift-giving among friends as normal conduct and his trial as a political witch-hunt.</p>.<p>Milchan hinted at a deeper, patriotic cast to the relationship. "I can't tell you how many things Bibi and I did in secret for the country," he said in his testimony, using Netanyahu's nickname.</p>.<p>When the prime minister arrived at the Jerusalem court to watch from afar, Milchan greeted him off-screen with "Shalom, Bibi!"</p>.<p>Criminal probes against Netanyahu, now in a record sixth term as premier, began in 2016 and set off years of political turmoil in Israel.</p>.<p>After a cycle of inconclusive elections and an 18 month-stint in the opposition, Netanyahu returned to power in December at the head of a hard-right government.</p>.<p>Netanyahu has denied any link between his trial and reforms to the justice system that his coalition is seeking and that have drawn strong opposition.</p>.<p>He has been indicted on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust for allegedly granting regulatory favours to businessmen in return for positive favourable media coverage.</p>