Netanyahu Faces Court on Corruption Charges

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared in the Tel Aviv Central Court this Monday to address corruption charges in three separate cases.

Israeli TV footage captured Netanyahu entering the courtroom accompanied by his personal physician, Tsvi Berkovitch. This marked his first court appearance since late December, following prostate surgery.

Netanyahu had requested another postponement due to health reasons, but the court denied his plea.

According to Israel’s Channel 12, the judges also rejected a defense request to reduce hearings to once a week instead of three.

The trial is being held in Tel Aviv instead of Jerusalem due to security concerns. During the session, Netanyahu stated: “I underwent surgery less than a month ago and have not recovered as expected. As Prime Minister, I had to handle parliamentary issues immediately after the operation, which affected my recovery period.”

This marks Netanyahu’s seventh court appearance since December 10, 2024. He faces charges of corruption, bribery, and breach of trust. Prosecutors allege that he granted benefits to telecommunications giant Bezeq while serving as Communications Minister, accepted lavish gifts from businessmen in exchange for favors, and negotiated for positive media coverage. Additionally, he is accused of providing advantages to the owner of the “Walla” news site in exchange for favorable reporting.

The trial, which began in 2020, is still ongoing. Netanyahu denies all allegations, labeling them a “political campaign aimed at removing him from office.”