Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s long-running corruption trial will resume on Sunday, court officials confirmed on Thursday. This comes just hours after Israel ended the state of emergency declared during its recent conflict with Iran.
Trial Restarts Amid fragile Ceasefire
With the emergency lifted on Wednesday evening, schools and workplaces reopened as no further Iranian missiles arrived after the ceasefire took hold. Israeli courts announced that hearings will now proceed as usual between Sundays and Wednesdays. Netanyahu, the first sitting prime minister in Israel’s history to face criminal charges, denies accusations of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust filed against him in 2019. His trial, which started in 2020, has faced multiple delays due to his heavy official duties, and no clear end date appears in sight.
The charges have weighed heavily on Netanyahu for years. He could face prison time if convicted. US President Donald Trump has publicly supported calls for President Isaac Herzog to grant him a pardon, arguing that court appearances interfere with Netanyahu’s ability to lead during difficult times.
Political Future Hangs in Balance
Iran launched ballistic missiles and drones at Israel after Israeli and American strikes began on February 28, aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear program and regional influence. Although the ceasefire has paused direct attacks, recent Israeli operations in Lebanon against Hezbollah have raised fresh concerns about the truce holding.
The corruption case, combined with the fallout from the October 2023 Hamas attacks, has weakened Netanyahu’s position. Israel faces elections in October, and his right-wing coalition, the most hardline in the country’s history, looks likely to lose power. Many Israelis now focus on both security challenges and domestic issues as the trial restarts. Analysts say the coming weeks will prove critical for Netanyahu’s political survival.
