Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has resumed giving testimony in his long-running corruption trial in Tel Aviv following a two-month interruption linked to the Iran war and related national security disruptions.
Netanyahu, who is standing trial on charges in three separate corruption cases, was initially expected to return to the witness stand on Monday. However, the session was postponed after his lawyer requested a delay, citing ongoing security considerations.
On Tuesday, proceedings continued with prosecutor Yehudit Tirosh resuming cross-examination in Case 4000, widely regarded as the most serious of the allegations against the Israeli leader.
In Case 4000, Netanyahu is accused of advancing regulatory decisions that allegedly benefited Shaul Elovitch, the former controlling shareholder of Bezeq, Israel’s largest telecommunications company. Bezeq also owns the Walla news website, which prosecutors claim was used to provide favourable media coverage in exchange for regulatory advantages.
Netanyahu faces charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing, insisting that the cases against him are politically motivated.
Local media reports indicate that Tuesday’s hearing marked his return after a notable gap in proceedings, with his previous court appearance on February 24 representing his 80th day of testimony in the trial.
Court activities had been significantly affected following the outbreak of the Israel–Iran conflict in late February, which led to a nationwide emergency declaration. During that period, schools, businesses, and public institutions were shut down, while courts operated in a limited capacity, handling only urgent matters, often through virtual hearings.
Although normal judicial operations resumed approximately two weeks ago, Netanyahu’s legal team has continued to request adjournments, arguing that his role in managing national security issues requires flexibility in court scheduling.
The trial remains one of the most closely watched legal proceedings in Israel, given Netanyahu’s position as a sitting prime minister and the political implications of the corruption allegations.
The latest hearing signals the gradual return of the judicial process to normalcy after wartime disruptions, even as legal and political tensions surrounding the case continue to grow.
