Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's corruption trial is set to resume on Sunday, a court spokesperson confirmed on Thursday, shortly after the country lifted a state of emergency imposed during its recent conflict with Iran.
The emergency, which had closed schools and workplaces, ended on Wednesday evening following a ceasefire. No incoming Iranian missiles had been reported since 3 am local time (midnight GMT). The hostilities began after Israel and the US launched air strikes on Iran on February 28, aimed at preventing Iran from projecting force, dismantling its nuclear programme, and encouraging regime change.
The fragile truce is now threatened by extensive Israeli military operations in Lebanon targeting the Iran-backed Hezbollah. The Israeli courts stated: 'With the lifting of the state of emergency and the return of the judicial system to work, hearings will resume as usual,' adding 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. His trial, which began in 2020 and could lead to jail time, has been repeatedly delayed due to his official duties, with no end in sight.
US President Donald Trump has echoed Netanyahu's calls for a pardon from Israeli President Isaac Herzog, citing the impact of court appearances on his ability to govern. Herzog's office said the justice ministry's pardons department would gather opinions for the president's legal adviser, who will make a recommendation. Pardons are not usually granted mid-trial.
The charges, along with the Hamas attacks on Israel in October 2023, have damaged Netanyahu's standing. Israel is due to hold elections in October, which Netanyahu's right-wing coalition is likely to lose.
