Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu returned to a Tel Aviv courtroom on Wednesday for another hearing in his ongoing corruption trial, which first began in May 2020. Despite the gravity of the case, the Israeli leader appeared calm and smiling as he arrived with ministers from his conservative Likud party, even as protesters lined the streets to voice their anger.
The renewed court appearance comes just days after former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly suggested that Netanyahu should be pardoned in his three separate corruption cases. It also follows the high-profile return of hostages from Gaza — part of Trump’s proposed peace plan to end the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Netanyahu, along with his wife Sara, is accused of accepting over $260,000 worth of luxury items, including cigars, champagne, and jewellery, from wealthy businessmen in exchange for political favours. In two other cases, the prime minister allegedly sought favourable media coverage from Israeli news outlets in return for policy benefits. He has repeatedly denied the allegations, insisting that he is the target of a politically motivated witch hunt.
The trial adds to the turbulence surrounding Netanyahu’s leadership, which has been marred by protests against his proposed judicial reforms — moves critics say were designed to weaken Israel’s courts.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu also faces international scrutiny, as the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant against him over alleged war crimes linked to Israel’s offensive on Hamas in Gaza.
At 75, Netanyahu remains Israel’s longest-serving leader, having spent 18 years across multiple terms as prime minister since 1996.
