JERUSALEM, (Reuters) – Former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was in court Monday to confront a crucial prosecution witness in the corruption trial.

Netanyahu was the prime minister from June to June and has now pleaded guilty to bribery and breach of trust charges. The cases revolve around alleged regulatory favors that he gave to media tycoons for favorable press coverage. He also received gifts such as cigars or champagne.

Netanyahu smiled as the opposition leader and walked into Jerusalem District Courtroom to hear testimony from Nir Hefetz (one of few ex-aides who turned state’s witness in the case against Israel’s first premier, while still in power).

Hefetz said that Netanyahu spent as much on security as media, and more on other matters than anyone would think.

Netanyahu (72 years old) isn’t required to be present at trial hearings. He has also not made many court appearances. A group of Netanyahu supporters shouted slogans outside and he did not respond to reporters. They walked into the courtroom, where they faced off against a small number of anti-Netanyahu protesters.

The trial of Netanyahu has become a controversial issue in Israel. It has been a polarizing issue for Israelis. His faithful supporters look on it as a right-wing witch hunt that targeted a prominent right-wing leader. But his staunch critics see it as victory of law over government corruption which had forced Israel into two years’ of political turmoil.

Following four unsuccessful elections, Netanyahu’s old right-wing ally Naftali Bennett resigned as Israel’s long-serving leader. In June, Bennett formed a patchwork coalition government that included rightist, centreist and Muslim Arab parties.