Israel's former attorney general, Avichai Mandelblit, took the witness stand on Sunday in the ongoing corruption trial against Benjamin Netanyahu, the country’s longest-serving prime minister. This high-profile trial is particularly significant as national elections are approaching, creating a tense political atmosphere. Mandelblit, who indicted Netanyahu seven years ago for fraud, breach of trust, and accepting bribes—the first such charges against a sitting Israeli prime minister—was called as a crucial witness in the case.
Netanyahu was present in the courtroom to hear Mandelblit's testimony. He had a close relationship with Mandelblit, having appointed him as attorney general when he was still in office. Netanyahu has insisted on his innocence, stating, “The truth comes to light,” prior to entering the courtroom. He faces accusations of providing favors to wealthy associates and media moguls in exchange for political benefits, which he vehemently denies.
In a separate but equally urgent issue, Saudi Arabia remains on high alert following a deadly missile attack at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Saturday, which resulted in 12 deaths and over 300 injuries. This strike, attributed to Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels, marked a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis. Following the attack, which has not been claimed directly by the Houthis, the Saudi government closed the airport and transitioned schools in Riyadh to online classes.
Brigadier General Yahya Saree, a military spokesperson for the Houthis, cautioned the public to heed their warnings, hinting at further strikes across Saudi territory. This incident complicates existing tensions related to the U.S.-Iran conflict and has raised dire questions regarding regional stability.
Amid these developments in Saudi Arabia, residents of central Gaza faced the devastating aftermath of Israeli airstrikes. After being warned to evacuate, many returned to their homes only to find extensive destruction. Witnesses reported that at least 10 residences, housing around 300 families, were flattened in the attacks, which the Israeli military stated were aimed at dismantling militant infrastructure belonging to Hamas.
These strikes come on the first anniversary of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, raising concerns over the ongoing violence in the region. Israel claims its military operations are a necessary response to threats posed by Hamas militants in Gaza.
In an unrelated diplomatic development, the White House officially lifted a thirty-eight-year-long ban on direct flights between the United States and Lebanon, fulfilling a commitment made by former President Donald Trump. This change has been welcomed by the Lebanese embassy in Washington as a significant step toward facilitating travel between the two nations. However, U.S. airlines may hesitate to initiate services due to ongoing regional tensions and concerns regarding Hezbollah's influence in Lebanon.
The U.S. embassy in Beirut expressed optimism about the new policy, highlighting that it would ease family gatherings and boost American investment in Lebanon. The ban was originally imposed in 1985 following the hijacking of TWA Flight 847, reflecting longstanding security concerns in the region.
