Lapid Slams Netanyahu as a ‘Stain’ on Israel Amid Corruption Trial
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Yair Lapid, head of the opposition in Israel, has strongly criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, asserting that he has become a “stain” on Israel’s image worldwide.
Lapid’s remarks follow an incident where Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana brought Raul Latorre, the Speaker of the Paraguayan House of Representatives, to the Tel Aviv District Court to meet with Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption.
The Israeli court had previously rejected Netanyahu’s request to postpone his trial due to meetings with foreign officials, agreeing only to shorten the session.
Images and videos of Netanyahu shaking hands with the Paraguayan official in the courthouse hallways have sparked widespread criticism within Israeli political circles.
In a post on X, Lapid wrote, “Instead of taking the Speaker of the Parliament of Paraguay to Nir Oz, they brought him to a court hearing; this is shameful.” He added, “Netanyahu has become a stain on Israel before the world today.”
Netanyahu faces charges in three corruption cases, which could lead to imprisonment if he is convicted. He has previously requested a pardon from President Isaac Herzog, but the outcome of this request remains uncertain.
