Israel PM Netanyahu’s corruption trial set to resume
Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel will destroy Hamas' battalions in Rafah "with or without a deal". Photo: AP
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial is to continue after a break in the Jerusalem District Court, the Times of Israel reports.
The trial, along with all other non-urgent cases, was suspended by Justice Minister Yariv Levin following the October 7 attacks mounted from the Gaza Strip. The relevant emergency order expired last week.
The trial, in which Netanyahu faces charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust, has been running for more than three years.
He is accused of granting favours as communications minister to the Bezeq telecommunications giant in return for positive reporting in its Walla! Communications, an Israeli site.
He is also accused to have offered critical newspaper publisher Arnon Moses to weaken his rival paper in return for positive coverage.
Netanyahu also stands accused of receiving gifts from wealthy people amounting to around 700,000 shekels ($284,000) in value, including jewellery, cigars and pink champagne in return among other things for extending tax break legislation to benefit Israeli Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan.
The prime minister has repeatedly rejected all the charges and said his accusers are engaging in a “witch hunt.”
According to media reports, he could be summoned to court to give evidence in a few months.
– AAP