Court proceedings restart
The corruption trial of Benjamin Netanyahu will resume on Sunday, according to Israeli court officials, following the lifting of a nationwide state of emergency imposed during the recent conflict with Iran.
The emergency measures, which included the closure of schools and workplaces, were lifted on Wednesday evening after a ceasefire took hold and no further Iranian missile strikes were reported overnight.
Trial delays and charges
The Netanyahu corruption trial, which began in 2020, has faced repeated delays due to the Prime Minister’s official duties and ongoing security developments. Netanyahu, the first sitting Israeli leader to face criminal charges, denies allegations of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust brought against him in 2019.
Court hearings are set to take place between Sunday and Wednesday each week as the judicial system returns to normal operations.
Political pressure and pardon calls
Donald Trump has publicly supported Netanyahu’s calls for a pardon, urging Isaac Herzog to consider clemency due to the impact of court proceedings on governance.
However, Israel’s presidency has indicated that any pardon request would follow standard procedures, with legal consultations required before a recommendation is made. Pardons are rarely granted during an ongoing trial.
Broader political implications
The case continues to weigh on Netanyahu’s political standing, alongside the fallout from the Hamas attacks on Israel in October 2023.
With elections scheduled for October, analysts suggest Netanyahu’s coalition, widely seen as the most right-wing in Israel’s history, may face significant challenges at the polls.
Also read: Lebanon declares national mourning after deadly Israeili airstrikes
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