Hollywood mogul Arnon Milchan started his second day of testimony in the corruption trial against Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, in a court session that was live streamed from the UK to Israel.
The trial is taking place in Jerusalem, but Mr Milchan's testimony is being broadcast from the seaside city of Brighton, close to where the 78-year-old resides.
Prosecutors allege that Mr Netanyahu wrongfully received gifts worth about $200,000 from Mr Milchan and an Australian billionaire, largely in the form of cigars and champagne.
The corruption case is often cited by Israel’s opposition as a sign that the Prime Minister is not fit to govern, and a reason behind the current coalition’s deeply controversial drive to overhaul Israel’s judiciary.
Mr Netanyahu has denied any wrongdoing in the case and two other cases that are being heard in the same trial.
Mr Netanyahu is accused of helping Mr Milchan with his business interests and US visa status. The Prime Minister has described the gift-giving as normal conduct among friends, branding his trial a political witch-hunt.
Criminal probes against Mr Netanyahu – now in a record sixth term as premier – began in 2016 and set off years of political turmoil in Israel.
He has been indicted on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust for allegedly granting regulatory favours to businessmen in return for positive media coverage.
Mr Milchan's testimony on Sunday focused largely on the businessman’s gifts to Mr Netanyahu’s wife, Sara Netanyahu, which, he said, came mostly at the couple's request.
Tuesday’s session began with the lead prosecutor asking Mr Milchan about valuable jewellery he purchased for Ms Netanyahu, as well as gifts given to the pair by Australian billionaire James Packer.
Mr Milchan was also asked whether the presents had changed his relationship with the couple, to which he answered: “Until the investigation it never occurred to me there was a problem with our friendship. When the investigation began, I started to understand it was overdone.”
THE BIO
Favourite place to go to in the UAE: The desert sand dunes, just after some rain
Who inspires you: Anybody with new and smart ideas, challenging questions, an open mind and a positive attitude
Where would you like to retire: Most probably in my home country, Hungary, but with frequent returns to the UAE
Favorite book: A book by Transilvanian author, Albert Wass, entitled ‘Sword and Reap’ (Kard es Kasza) - not really known internationally
Favourite subjects in school: Mathematics and science
Studying addiction
This month, Dubai Medical College launched the Middle East’s first master's programme in addiction science.
Together with the Erada Centre for Treatment and Rehabilitation, the college offers a two-year master’s course as well as a one-year diploma in the same subject.
The move was announced earlier this year and is part of a new drive to combat drug abuse and increase the region’s capacity for treating drug addiction.
'Saand Ki Aankh'
Produced by: Reliance Entertainment with Chalk and Cheese Films
Director: Tushar Hiranandani
Cast: Taapsee Pannu, Bhumi Pednekar, Prakash Jha, Vineet Singh
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
The candidates
Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
Ali Azeem, business leader
Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner
Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
THE CLOWN OF GAZA
Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah
Starring: Alaa Meqdad
Rating: 4/5
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
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The%20Beekeeper
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The%20specs%20
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
UAE%20medallists%20at%20Asian%20Games%202023
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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