Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared in court on Wednesday for a new session in his corruption trial, which has been ongoing since 2020. The hearing comes amid renewed scrutiny of his leadership and calls from allies, including U.S. President Donald Trump, for the charges to be dropped.
Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, faces charges in three separate cases involving allegations of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing, claiming the charges are politically motivated and part of a broader campaign to oust him from power.
The prime minister arrived at the Tel Aviv District Court accompanied by several ministers from his Likud party. Despite the serious nature of the proceedings, Netanyahu appeared composed and smiled as he entered the courthouse, even as protesters gathered outside to voice their opposition.
The court session focused on procedural matters and witness testimonies related to Case 4000, the most serious of the three cases. In that case, Netanyahu is accused of granting regulatory favors to the Bezeq telecom company in exchange for favorable media coverage on its news site, Walla.
The trial has been repeatedly delayed due to political developments, including elections, coalition negotiations, and national security crises. Netanyahu’s legal team has also filed numerous motions challenging the admissibility of evidence and the conduct of prosecutors.
President Trump, who has maintained close ties with Netanyahu, recently suggested that the Israeli leader should be pardoned. “It’s a disgrace what they’re doing to Bibi,” Trump said earlier this week on his Truth Social platform, referring to Netanyahu by his nickname.
The Israeli judiciary has not responded publicly to Trump’s remarks, but legal experts in Israel have emphasized the independence of the courts and the importance of allowing the trial to proceed without political interference.
Netanyahu’s return to court comes at a time of heightened political pressure. His government has faced criticism over its handling of the Gaza conflict, economic challenges, and internal divisions within the ruling coalition.
Despite the legal troubles, Netanyahu remains a dominant figure in Israeli politics. His supporters argue that the charges are part of a “deep state” conspiracy, while critics contend that his continued leadership undermines public trust in democratic institutions.
The trial is expected to continue for several more months, with additional witnesses scheduled to testify. Legal analysts say a verdict is unlikely before mid-2026, meaning the proceedings could shadow Netanyahu’s political future for the foreseeable future.
