Netanyahu Returns to Court for Latest Hearing in Corruption Trial
Israeli Prime Minister faces ongoing legal challenges as international attention remains fixed on his case.
TEL AVIV: Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared in a Tel Aviv court on Wednesday, marking the latest development in his protracted corruption trial, which commenced in May 2020.
Despite facing protests and heckling from opposing groups, Netanyahu maintained a composed demeanor, accompanied by several ministers from his conservative Likud party.
This court appearance comes in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump's recent suggestion that Netanyahu should receive a pardon for his three separate corruption charges.
The trial includes allegations that Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, accepted over $260,000 worth of luxury items such as champagne, cigars, and jewelry from high-net-worth individuals in exchange for political favors.
In two additional counts, Netanyahu is accused of attempting to secure more favorable media coverage.
He has consistently denied these charges, framing them as a politically motivated conspiracy.
During his current tenure, which commenced in late 2022, Netanyahu has proposed judicial reforms that critics argue aim to diminish the role of the judiciary.
These proposals sparked significant protests until they receded following Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, leading to the Gaza war.
In an address to the Israeli parliament (Knesset) on Monday, Trump humorously dismissed the allegations and urged Netanyahu to seek a pardon.
He asked Israeli President Isaac Herzog, "Why don’t you give him a pardon?"
Additionally, an arrest warrant has been issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for Netanyahu, suspecting him of orchestrating war crimes during Israel's military campaign against Hamas in Gaza.
Netanyahu holds the record for the longest tenure as Israeli Prime Minister, having served in the position for 18 years across multiple terms since 1996.
Despite facing protests and heckling from opposing groups, Netanyahu maintained a composed demeanor, accompanied by several ministers from his conservative Likud party.
This court appearance comes in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump's recent suggestion that Netanyahu should receive a pardon for his three separate corruption charges.
The trial includes allegations that Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, accepted over $260,000 worth of luxury items such as champagne, cigars, and jewelry from high-net-worth individuals in exchange for political favors.
In two additional counts, Netanyahu is accused of attempting to secure more favorable media coverage.
He has consistently denied these charges, framing them as a politically motivated conspiracy.
During his current tenure, which commenced in late 2022, Netanyahu has proposed judicial reforms that critics argue aim to diminish the role of the judiciary.
These proposals sparked significant protests until they receded following Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, leading to the Gaza war.
In an address to the Israeli parliament (Knesset) on Monday, Trump humorously dismissed the allegations and urged Netanyahu to seek a pardon.
He asked Israeli President Isaac Herzog, "Why don’t you give him a pardon?"
Additionally, an arrest warrant has been issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for Netanyahu, suspecting him of orchestrating war crimes during Israel's military campaign against Hamas in Gaza.
Netanyahu holds the record for the longest tenure as Israeli Prime Minister, having served in the position for 18 years across multiple terms since 1996.
