Netanyahu returns to court for corruption trial as war crimes charges loom

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared for the 15th time in court on Tuesday to defend himself against corruption charges.

His trial, which began in May 2020, involves three cases of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. Netanyahu requested to reduce the number of hearings from three per week to two, which the court approved.

The trial will continue for two more months, with nine sessions remaining.

In addition to the corruption charges, Netanyahu faces war crimes accusations related to the Gaza conflict, with the International Criminal Court issuing arrest warrants for him and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in November 2024.

Why it matters

This trial is historic as Netanyahu is the first sitting Israeli prime minister to face criminal charges. The outcome could affect his political future and Israel’s political landscape. Netanyahu is not required to resign unless convicted by the Supreme Court.

Details

• Netanyahu faces three corruption cases (Case 1,000, Case 2,000, and Case 4,000) involving charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust.
• The court has approved Netanyahu’s request to attend two hearings per week, instead of three, extending the trial for the next two months.
• There are still nine more sessions scheduled, bringing the total to 24.
• Netanyahu denies the charges, calling them “fake.”
• He is the first sitting Israeli prime minister to stand trial as a criminal defendant.
• Netanyahu faces additional war crimes and crimes against humanity charges from the International Criminal Court over actions in Gaza.
• Under Israeli law, Netanyahu is not required to resign unless convicted by the Supreme Court, a process that could take months.