The trial in which Netanyahu is accused of corruption resumes after the cessation of Iran's attacks
The trial of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be resumed on Sunday, the spokesman for the courts announced on Thursday, a few hours after Israel lifted the state of emergency established amid the war with Iran, according to Reuters.
The state of emergency, which had led to the closure of schools and workplaces, was lifted on Wednesday evening after no more reports of Iranian missiles being fired at Israel since 3:00 a.m. following an agreed ceasefire. Israel's extensive attacks on Lebanon, motivated by the presence there of the Iranian-backed Hezbollah group, have put the ceasefire in jeopardy, however.
“With the lifting of the state of emergency and the resumption of the work of the judicial system, the hearings will continue as usual,” the Israeli courts said, specifying that they will take place from Sunday to Wednesday.
Benjamin Netanyahu, the first sitting Israeli prime minister to be impeached, denies allegations of bribery, fraud and breach of trust leveled in 2019 after years of investigations. His trial, which began in 2020 and could lead to prison terms, has been repeatedly delayed due to official obligations, with no clear deadline for completion.
Donald Trump has appealed to Israeli President Isaac Herzog for a pardon, citing the impact that regular court appearances have on the prime minister's ability to carry out his duties.
Herzog's office said the Department of Justice's pardons department would gather input and forward it to the president's legal counsel, who would make a recommendation, according to normal procedure. As a rule, pardons are not granted during the trial.
The allegations against Netanyahu, along with Hamas attacks on Israel since October 2023, have affected his political standing. Israel is due to hold elections in October, and Netanyahu's coalition, considered the most right-wing in the country's history, is credited with little chance of staying in power.
