Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Sunday's appearance on camera, before his criminal trial was to begin, was a well-planned and well-executed event meant to overshadow the importance of the trial itself.
Netanyahu appeared at Jerusalem District Court to face charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. But before entering the courtroom, the prime minister gave a televised speech attacking the prosecution and accusing the police and judiciary of conspiring to unseat him and install a left-wing government.
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Flanked by supporters, Benjamin Netanyahu addresses the media from Jerusalem District Court on the first day of his trial
(Photo: Flash90)
The appearance of Israel's sitting prime minister in court to face criminal charges was of great interest to local and international news outlets and Netanyahu's management of the coverage was considered to be of major importance.
Sources reported his media advisor Ofer Golan had toured court in advance of the prime minister's arrival.
He prepared the scene for Netanyahu's speech, transporting a podium from the Prime Minister's Office as the one supplied by the court staff did not have the state insignia on it.
He also directed the photograph of the prime minister flanked by loyal ministers and Knesset members to bolster Netanyahu's claim that he is not the sole defendant in the proceedings, but rather the entire right-wing has been dragged into court in this unfair indictment.
Golan, who was charged with directing demonstrators to the homes of Netanyahu opponents during the election campaign and ensuing coalition talks, was also responsible for rallying supporters outside the courthouse while the Likud leader faced a three-judge panel inside.
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Pro-Netanyahu supporters demonstrate outside Jerusalem District Court where the PM's criminal trial was to begin
(Photo: Yoav Dudkevich)
Those same demonstrators have been given the task of continuing protests against the judiciary and were asked to step up their demonstrations when evidence against the prime minister comes to light and his legal situation becomes precarious.
The troops have already been rallied and the orders have already been issued.