Netanyahu returns to court for corruption trial after Iran war pause

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has resumed testimony in his criminal trial in Tel Aviv after a two-month pause caused by the Iran war.

Netanyahu, who faces charges in three corruption cases, was initially scheduled to resume testimony on Monday, but the session was postponed following a request by his lawyer, citing security-related constraints.

During Tuesday’s proceedings, prosecutor Yehudit Tirosh continued questioning in the so-called Case 4000, in which Netanyahu is accused of advancing regulations that benefited Shaul Elovitch, former controlling shareholder of Bezeq group.

Bezeq group is Israel’s largest telecommunications company and owner of the Walla news website, allegedly in exchange for favourable media coverage.

Netanyahu is facing charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust, which he has denied.

According to local media reports, his last court appearance on Feb. 24 marked the 80th time he testified in the ongoing trial.

An emergency was declared nationwide in late February following the outbreak of war between Israel and Iran, leading to the closure of institutions, businesses and schools.

Courts operated in emergency mode during the period, with only urgent cases heard via video sessions.

Although normal court operations resumed two weeks ago, Netanyahu’s legal team has repeatedly sought adjournments, citing his involvement in pressing security matters.

(Xinhua/NAN)