Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial resumes as Israel lifts state of emergency
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s protracted corruption trial is scheduled to recommence this Sunday, a court spokesperson announced on Thursday, just hours after the nation lifted a state of emergency imposed during its recent conflict with Iran.
The emergency, which had led to the closure of schools and workplaces, was rescinded on Wednesday evening. This followed a ceasefire agreement, with no incoming Iranian missiles reported since 3 am (midnight GMT).
The hostilities originated after Israel and U.S. President Donald Trump launched air strikes on Iran on February 28. These strikes were cited as efforts to prevent Iran from projecting force internationally, dismantle its nuclear programme, and encourage the overthrow of its government.
However, the fragile truce has since been imperilled by extensive Israeli military actions in Lebanon, targeting the Iran-backed Hezbollah.
“With the lifting of the state of emergency and the return of the judicial system to work, hearings will resume as usual,” a statement from the Israeli courts said, adding that they would take place between Sundays and Wednesdays.
Netanyahu, the first sitting Israeli prime minister to be charged with a crime, denies charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust brought in 2019 after years of investigations. His trial, which began in 2020 and could lead to jail terms, has been repeatedly delayed due to his official commitments, with no end date in sight.
Trump has echoed Netanyahu’s calls on Israel’s President Isaac Herzog for a pardon, citing the impact of regular court appearances on his ability to carry out his duties.
Herzog’s office has said the justice ministry’s pardons department would gather opinions to submit to the president’s legal adviser, who will formulate a recommendation, as per standard practice. Pardons are not usually given mid-trial.
The charges against Netanyahu, along with the Hamas attacks on Israel in October 2023, have damaged his standing. Israel is due to hold elections in October that Netanyahu’s coalition, the most right-wing in Israel’s history, is likely to lose.
Source: independent.co.uk
