Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial has been ongoing since May 2020, with the premier facing charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. The trial, which began on May 24, 2020, in the Jerusalem District Court, involves three cases: Case 1000, Case 2000, and Case 4000.
Netanyahu was officially indicted on November 21, 2019, after Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit accepted police recommendations to charge him with corruption-related offenses. The indictment led to Netanyahu relinquishing his ministry portfolios, except for the prime minister position. Netanyahu has consistently denied wrongdoing, claiming the trial is a conspiracy against him.
In Case 1000, Netanyahu is accused of receiving expensive gifts, including cigars and champagne worth $195,000, from Israeli film producer Arnon Milchan and Australian billionaire James Packer. He also allegedly received jewelry worth $3,100 for his wife, Sara. Netanyahu is charged with fraud, breach of trust, and bribery in this case.
Case 2000 involves allegations of attempted bribery, with Netanyahu accused of negotiating a deal with Israeli newspaper publisher Arnon Mozes to receive favorable coverage in exchange for regulatory benefits.
In Case 4000, Netanyahu is accused of promising regulatory favors to Shaul Elovitch, the owner of Bezeq, in exchange for positive coverage on Elovitch’s news website, Walla!. Netanyahu is charged with fraud, breach of trust, and bribery in this case.
The trial has seen several key developments, including the testimony of Netanyahu himself. On December 10, 2024, Netanyahu took the witness stand, marking a pivotal moment in the case. During his testimony, Netanyahu vowed to challenge the “absurd” corruption charges against him. His defense team has argued that the trial is politically motivated, while the prosecution has presented evidence and witnesses to support the charges.
The prosecution rested its case in July 2024, and Netanyahu’s testimony began on December 10, 2024. His cross-examination started on June 3, 2025. Netanyahu’s trial has been ongoing for several years, with the premier maintaining his innocence throughout.
The trial has also drawn international attention, with US President Donald Trump weighing in on the matter. On June 26, 2025, Trump stated that Netanyahu’s trial should be “CANCELLED, IMMEDIATELY, or a Pardon given to a Great Hero, who has done so much for the State” of Israel, following a recent conflict between Israel and Iran.