Hollywood producer testifies at Netanyahu corruption trial

With dramatic moments worthy of one of his films, a top Hollywood producer is being cross-examined in the corruption trial of Israel's prime minister.

Arnon Milchan, an Israeli billionaire who now lives in the UK, has conceded that his gifts of pink champagne and cigars to Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife may have been "excessive".

He is a key witness for prosecutors trying to prove charges of fraud and breach of trust in one of three cases against Mr Netanyahu that have cast a long shadow over Israeli politics.

The prime minister also faces charges of fraud, breach of trust and bribery in connection with the two other cases. He denies doing anything wrong, claiming he is the victim of a political witch-hunt.

Mr Milchan, whose film credits include Pretty Woman, Bohemian Rhapsody and 12 Years a Slave, is appearing before a remote session of the Israeli court in Brighton at his request.

His evidence has brought colourful anti-Netanyahu protests to the English seaside city, close to where he now lives, providing an unexpected diversion for holidaymakers.

Questions about Mr Milchan's services to Israel's security are being heard behind closed doors, at the request of defence lawyers. He is understood to have made part of his money as an arms dealer and to have worked with Israeli intelligence since the 1960s procuring weapons.

Early in his testimony, which began on Sunday, the witness described his relationship with Mr Netanyahu as "close friends, almost brothers", saying they liked to discuss history together.

He also suggested there was a patriotic dimension saying: "I can't tell you how many things Bibi and I did in secret for the country."

When the prime minister arrived at the Jerusalem District Court to watch proceedings broadcast live on a screen, Mr Milchan greeted him by saying "Shalom, Bibi", using his nickname.

Sara Netanyahu has made a private trip to the UK and is being allowed to represent her husband as defendant in the hall of Old Ship Hotel, which has been rented by the Israeli government for the court session.

Prosecutors allege that from 2011 to 2016, Mr Netanyahu wrongfully received almost 700,000 shekels ($191,000; £150,000) worth of gifts from Mr Milchan and an Australian billionaire, which the charge sheet describes as a "supply-line" of champagne and cigars. These were code-named "roses" and "leaves", the court heard.

The movie mogul described how the presents - which also included expensive shirts and jewellery - were at first given spontaneously but over time became routine and were then sometimes sent in response to requests from the recipients.

"Sometimes the leaves were on my initiative, I'd come visit," he told the court. "At other times [Mr Netanyahu] would ask me: 'Say, are there any leaves at home? What about the roses":[]}