Netanyahu Displays Signs of Anxiety During Court Testimony in Bribery Case

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu showed signs of anxiety and confusion during his recent testimony in the Tel Aviv District Court concerning the bribery case known as "Case 1000."

According to Maariv newspaper, Netanyahu, typically confident in front of cameras, appeared disoriented during his interrogation. His responses contradicted previous statements, particularly regarding gifts he and his wife, Sara, received, including champagne, cigars, and luxury items from a close associate.

A body language expert consulted by the newspaper noted that Netanyahu frequently shifted between sitting and standing, raised his voice when addressing accusations, and displayed a distracted gaze, occasionally looking towards the courtroom audience. The expert attributed these behaviors to a "lack of focus" and an apparent rejection of the trial process, suggesting that pressure intensified following recent comments from the U.S. President about a potential pardon.

Netanyahu seemed to leverage his court appearance to assert that the case was a personal attack against him. The expert described his tactic as "look at the bird," where he raised his voice and became defensive to divert attention from the core issues of the interrogation.

When questioned about receiving significant amounts of champagne, Netanyahu contradicted his earlier statements, claiming, "I don't like champagne," and added that Sara "drinks it very moderately," before stating, "The one who really liked champagne was Shimon Peres."

These behaviors illustrate the psychological strain Netanyahu faces as he navigates this long-standing trial.