Yes. I think your perspective is through Hollywood-tinted glasses. When was the last time something like that happened in real life and actually had devastating effects on the ruling class?

No way they’d risk him getting up on the stand

Defendants don’t get up on the stand if they want any chance of a not guilt verdict.

and even less likely they’d want to try their luck getting twelve people to convict.

It’s not so unlikely. It ought to be, but it isn’t.

July: Congress Sets Record 58 Standing Ovations For Benjamin Netanyahu’s Speech