Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took the witness stand on Monday in his long-running corruption trial—his first appearance since formally requesting a presidential pardon. The trial, which has deeply divided Israel’s public and political landscape, continues amid a volatile backdrop of Middle East tensions and domestic debate.
Netanyahu was indicted in 2019 on multiple charges, including bribery, fraud, and breach of trust—all of which he vehemently denies. The trial formally began in 2020, with prosecutors presenting evidence across three major cases known as Case 4000, Case 1000, and Case 2000. Netanyahu has pleaded not guilty in all matters.
What Are the Charges Against Netanyahu?
The allegations involve claims that Netanyahu traded regulatory favours and political influence in exchange for luxury gifts and favourable media coverage. Here is a breakdown of the three major cases:
Case 4000 (The Bezeq–Walla Affair)
This is considered the most serious of the three cases.
Prosecutors allege that Netanyahu granted regulatory benefits worth an estimated 1.8 billion shekels (around $500 million) to Bezeq Telecom, Israel’s largest telecommunications firm.
In exchange, Netanyahu allegedly sought positive coverage of himself and his wife Sara on Walla, a news website controlled by Bezeq’s former chairman Shaul Elovitch.
- Charges: Bribery, fraud, breach of trust
- Co-accused: Shaul Elovitch (who denies wrongdoing)
Case 1000 (The Gifts Affair)
In this case, Netanyahu faces charges of fraud and breach of trust.
Prosecutors say the prime minister and his wife Sara improperly received gifts worth nearly 700,000 shekels ($210,000) from Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan and Australian billionaire James Packer.
The gifts included cigars, champagne, and jewellery, while Netanyahu allegedly assisted Milchan with business matters.
Milchan and Packer face no charges in this case.
Case 2000 (The Newspaper Deal)
This case centres on an alleged arrangement between Netanyahu and Arnon Mozes, owner of the influential Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth.
Prosecutors claim Netanyahu negotiated a deal for favourable coverage in return for pushing legislation that would curb the growth of rival newspaper Israel Hayom.
- Charges: Fraud and breach of trust
Will the Verdict Come Soon?
A verdict remains unlikely in the near future. Unless Netanyahu chooses to pursue a plea deal—something he has previously rejected—the trial may continue for many more months.
Can Netanyahu Be Pardoned?
Netanyahu’s legal team has requested a presidential pardon from Israeli President Isaac Herzog, arguing that the prime minister’s demanding court schedule interferes with national governance. They assert that a pardon is justified based on “public interest.”
However, pardons in Israel are typically granted only after legal proceedings conclude and the accused is convicted. There is no precedent for issuing a pardon mid-trial, making this request highly contentious.
Netanyahu has not admitted guilt, which also complicates such a request.
How Can Netanyahu Govern While on Trial?
Israeli law allows a sitting prime minister to remain in office unless convicted, and even then, they may continue serving throughout the appeals process. This means Netanyahu can legally remain in power during the entire trial.
Could Netanyahu Face Prison Time?
Yes.
- Bribery charges carry up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine.
- Fraud and breach of trust charges can lead to up to three years in prison.
What Has Been the Political Impact?
Netanyahu’s corruption cases have profoundly impacted Israeli politics. Prior to the war with Hamas, the trial was a major source of national division, fuelling massive protests and contributing to a series of five elections in quick succession.
His 2022 election victory brought a hard-right coalition to power, which soon introduced controversial judicial reforms. Critics argued these reforms threatened Israel’s democratic balance and were motivated, in part, by Netanyahu’s legal troubles—an accusation he firmly denies.
The Hamas attacks of Oct. 7, 2023, and the subsequent war in Gaza shifted public focus away from the trial, temporarily uniting the country in grief and shock. But in recent weeks, Netanyahu has revived rhetoric directed at the judiciary, renewing concerns among opposition leaders and Western allies.