Corruption trial of Israeli PM Netanyahu resumes
Following a pause due to the war in Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces the resumption of his long-standing trial on numerous corruption charges. An emergency order from Israel's justice minister, issued after the events of October 7, had temporarily halted the case.
The Jerusalem court is set to reconvene on Monday to hear the case, which revolves around several corruption charges against Netanyahu. The justice minister had suspended the trial after Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7.
Netanyahu faces charges of fraud, bribery, and breach of trust in three separate cases filed in 2019, known as Case 1000, 2000, and 4000. In Case 1000, he and his wife Sara allegedly received gifts, including champagne and cigars, from Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan and Australian businessman James Packer in exchange for political favors.
The charges of bribery could lead to a sentence of up to 10 years in jail and/or a fine, while fraud and breach of trust carry a potential three-year prison sentence.
Denying any wrongdoing, Netanyahu claims to be the target of a politically driven "witch-hunt" by his opponents and the media, aimed at ousting him from office. The trial, which began in May 2020, has faced multiple delays due to disputes between the defense and prosecution, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Netanyahu has also faced accusations of attempting to use legislation to bypass his legal troubles. His controversial plans to reform the judicial system have sparked months of protests in Israel. Critics argue that these changes would politicize the judiciary, undermine its independence, encourage corruption, and damage the country's economy. However, Netanyahu maintains that his reforms are intended to restore balance among the government's branches.
