Netanyahu appears in court for 65th time in ongoing corruption trial

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appeared before the Tel Aviv District Court for the 65th time to respond to corruption charges in cases that have haunted him throughout much of his premiership, according to Israeli media reports.

The Hebrew-language Maariv daily newspaper reported that the latest court session on Tuesday focused on Case 4000, which involves allegations of bribery in connection with Shaul Elovitch, the former controlling shareholder of Bezeq, Israel’s largest telecommunications company.

Prosecutors say that Netanyahu is accused of granting regulatory benefits to Bezeq in exchange for favorable media coverage on the Walla news website, owned by Elovitch, though the Israeli premier denies all charges.

Prosecutors also say Netanyahu and members of his family submitted “various demands” to the Elovitch couple regarding the tone and content of Walla’s news coverage, the paper reported.

Netanyahu back on corruption trial after break for trip to US

Benjamin Netanyahu’s criminal trial on a number of corruption charges has resumed after a two-week suspension following his recent visit to the United States.

Netanyahu has repeatedly argued that these interactions do not amount to criminal conduct.

At the beginning of Tuesday’s session, Netanyahu requested a 30-minute recess to participate remotely in a military drill via Zoom, which was granted by the court.

According to Maariv, the drill was conducted “in preparation for a potential missile attack.”

Reports from Israeli media have previously highlighted Netanyahu's use of political, diplomatic, and security-related engagements as reasons for delays or interruptions in court proceedings.

These activities are used to limit time spent in the courtroom, while his supporters say they reflect the demands of leading Israel during a period of heightened regional tensions.

In early December, Netanyahu submitted an official request to Israeli President Isaac Herzog seeking a presidential pardon in his corruption cases.

Netanyahu begs Trump for ‘more’ help for pardon amid corruption case

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly pleaded with US President Donald Trump for “more” help to receive a pardon from the regime’s president over corruption charges against him and his family at Israeli courts.

The move triggered widespread political and public debate, with some arguing that a pardon should only be considered if Netanyahu admits wrongdoing and withdraws from political life.

Netanyahu has rejected those conditions, saying that he will neither admit guilt nor step down even if a pardon were granted.

Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving prime minister, was indicted in 2019 on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust following extensive investigations.

His trial began in 2020, marking him as the first sitting Israeli prime minister to testify as a criminal defendant in the regime's history. He faces three separate corruption cases.

The Israeli premier also faces charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity, with the International Criminal Court (ICC) issuing arrest warrants for him and former war minister Yoav Gallant in November 2024 over atrocities in Gaza, where more than 70,000 people, mostly women and children, have been killed since October 2023.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk