Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took the stand for the first time in his long-running corruption trial on Tuesday, denouncing the charges against him as politically motivated. He testified for about four hours, with a brief recess, as his military secretary passed him written messages. Netanyahu, 75, faces accusations involving gifts from billionaire friends and seeking regulatory favors from media moguls in exchange for favorable coverage.

He denied all wrongdoing, claiming the charges were part of a campaign to undermine him due to his hawkish security policies. “Had I moved two steps to the left, I would have been hailed,” he said, suggesting that signaling support for a two-state solution would have earned him positive press.

Netanyahu described himself as a staunch defender of Israel’s security, withstanding pressure from both domestic and international critics. He argued that the investigations were a “witch hunt,” and pointed out that the trial was moved to a secure underground courtroom for undisclosed reasons.

The trial, which has divided Israeli society, continues to be a significant political issue, with Netanyahu’s critics accusing him of using his war on Gaza to deflect attention from his legal troubles.