trial of Benjamin Netanyahu

Netanyahu was investigated in five different case, three of which were brought to trial. Case 1000, opened in December 2016, involves valuable gifts and presents that Netanyahu and his wife received from two wealthy businessmen over the years. In Case 2000, recorded conversations between Netanyahu and {{ill|Arnon Mozes|he|ארנון מוזס}}, the chairman and editor of Yedioth Ahronoth, one of the largest newspapers in Israel, were discussed. They talked about the possibility of legislation that could harm Israel Hayom, Yedioth's major competitor. Case 4000 relates to the relationship between telecommunications company Bezeq and its regulator, the communication ministry, which was headed by Netanyahu at the time.

On 21 November 2019, Netanyahu was officially charged with fraud and breach of trust in Cases 1000 and 2000, and with fraud, breach of trust, and receiving bribes in Case 4000.{{cite news |last1=Krever |first1=Mick |title=Accusations of genocide. Charges of corruption. But improbably, Netanyahu had a good year |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/12/26/middleeast/netanyahu-israel-year-popularity-intl-cmd/index.html |work=CNN |date=26 December 2024 |language=en}}

In Case 1000, Netanyahu is accused of having a conflict of interest while he was the Minister of Communications and handled affairs related to Arnon Milchan's business interests. The prosecution alleges that Netanyahu received expensive cigars and champagne worth $195,000 from Milchan and James Packer, a friend of Milchan's, over a period of 20 years, as well as jewelry for Netanyahu's wife Sara worth $3,100.{{cite web |last=Heller |first=Jeffrey |date=13 February 2018 |title=Israeli police recommend bribery charges against Netanyahu |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-israel-netanyahu-police/israeli-police-recommend-bribery-charges-against-netanyahu-idUSKCN1FX2JD |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181204151511/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-israel-netanyahu-police/israeli-police-recommend-bribery-charges-against-netanyahu-idUSKCN1FX2JD |archive-date=4 December 2018 |access-date=3 December 2018 |publisher=Reuters}}{{Cite news |author=Judy Maltz |date=5 September 2017 |title=Explainer All the Scandals Involving Netanyahu, and Where They Stand |language=en |work=Haaretz |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/all-scandals-involving-netanyahu-where-they-stand-1.5448174 |url-status=live |access-date=28 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228054343/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/all-scandals-involving-netanyahu-where-they-stand-1.5448174 |archive-date=28 February 2018}} The charges cite three separate incidents in which Netanyahu allegedly assisted Milchan:

As per the allegations, in 2013, Prime Minister Netanyahu actively advocated for the extension of tax exemptions for returning residents, a measure that held significant financial advantages for Milchan. It is alleged that he engaged with officials from the Ministry of Finance on this matter. However, they opposed the initiative, citing its inconsistency with national interests, leading to the denial of the exemption extension.{{Cite news |last=Avriel |first=Eytan |date=18 July 2022 |title=This Israeli Hollywood Mogul Didn't Pay Taxes for a Decade. Here's How |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2022-07-18/ty-article-magazine/.premium/u-s-israeli-mogul-arnon-milchan-didnt-pay-taxes-anywhere-for-a-decade-heres-how/00000182-1046-d1ad-a1b7-1fe60f960000 |access-date=22 November 2023 |work=Haaretz |language=en}}

As per the allegations, in the years 2013–2014, Netanyahu asked John Kerry on three separate occasions, to help Milchan in securing a US Visa.{{Cite news |date=7 January 2017 |orig-date= |title='Netanyahu asked Kerry 3 times to help his benefactor Arnon Milchan with US visa' |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-asked-kerry-3-times-to-help-his-benefactor-arnon-milchan-with-us-visa/ |work=Times of Israel}}{{Cite news |agency=Associated Press |date=25 June 2023 |title=I routinely gave Netanyahu gifts, Hollywood producer tells Israeli court |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jun/25/hollywood-producer-testifies-at-netanyahu-corruption-trial |access-date=22 November 2023 |issn=0261-3077}}

As per the allegations, in 2015, Netanyahu instructed the director general of the Ministry of Communications, {{ill|Shlomo Filber|he|שלמה פילבר}}, to aid Milchan in regulatory matters. This directive was related to a merger deal between the communications companies Reshet and Keshet, with the aim of ensuring the profitability of an investment that Milchan was considering.{{Cite news |title=Netanyahu Tried to Aid Hollywood Producer Milchan's Purchase of Israel's Ch. 2 – While Receiving Gifts From Him |language=en |work=Haaretz |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2017-09-20/ty-article/.premium/netanyahu-tried-to-aid-milchan-while-receiving-gifts-from-him/0000017f-e0c3-d7b2-a77f-e3c7f3ff0000 |access-date=22 November 2023}}{{Cite web |date=6 April 2022 |title=Netanyahu ordered me to advise with Milchin on merger – Filber |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-703417 |access-date=22 November 2023 |website=The Jerusalem Post {{!}} JPost.com |language=en-US}}

Case 2000 (also known as the Netanyahu-Mozes affair) is a criminal investigation that concerns the relationship between Netanyahu and the publisher and controlling owner of Yedioth Ahronoth, {{ill|Arnon Mozes|he|ארנון מוזס}}.{{cite web |date=22 May 2020 |title=Benjamin Netanyahu: What are the corruption charges? |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-47409739 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201021604/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-47409739 |archive-date=1 December 2020 |access-date=23 November 2020 |work=BBC News}} The investigation was conducted by the National Fraud Investigation Unit of the Israeli Police beginning in January 2017. As per the allegations, Mozes offered Netanyahu a significant change for the better in the way Netanyahu and his family members are covered in Yedioth Ahronoth, and a change for the worse in the way his political opponents are covered. In exchange Netanyahu should be using his influence to promote legislation that would impose restrictions on Israel Hayom and bring significant financial benefits to Mozes and his businesses.{{Cite news |last=Bachner |first=Michal |date=17 May 2018 |title=Case 2000 said reopened over new evidence; PM to be questioned agai |work=Times of Israel |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/case-2000-said-reopened-over-new-evidence-pm-to-be-questioned-again/}}{{Cite news |date=28 February 2019 |title=Benjamin Netanyahu: What are the corruption charges? |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-47409739 |access-date=24 November 2023 |work=BBC |language=en-GB}}

In November 2019, Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit announced that he had decided to file an indictment against Netanyahu for fraud and breach of trust and against Mozes for attempted bribery.{{Cite web |date=29 December 2020 |title=בית-הדין לאתיקה של מועצת העיתונות מורה ל"ידיעות אחרונות" להשעות את נוני מוזס |url=https://www.the7eye.org.il/400030 |access-date=24 November 2023 |website=העין השביעית |language=he-IL}} The trial began In May 2020.

Case 4000 involves the communication conglomerate Bezeq. The investigation focused on allegations that Netanyahu had promised regulatory changes that would be favorable to the business interests of Shaul Elovitch, the owner of Bezeq, in exchange for positive coverage of Netanyahu and his family by Elovitch's news website, Walla!. Netanyahu was charged with fraud, breach of trust, and bribery in this case. Elovitch was also charged with bribery.{{Cite news |title=Netanyahu Trial: Media Tycoon's Ex-company to Admit to Bribery in Plea Deal |language=en |work=Haaretz |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2022-03-22/ty-article/.premium/netanyahu-trial-media-tycoons-ex-company-to-admit-to-bribery-in-plea-deal/00000180-5b9e-d615-a9bf-dfdeaf440000 |access-date=24 November 2023}} The charges against Netanyahu include receiving bribes and acting in a conflict of interest as Minister of Communications. The Israeli police recommended bribery charges against Netanyahu in December 2018.{{Cite news |author=Raoul Wootliff |date=3 December 2018 |title=Police recommend bribery charges against Netanyahu in telecom-media Case 4000 |language=en |work=The Times of Israel |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/police-recommend-bribery-charges-for-netanyahu-in-case-4000/ |url-status=live |access-date=3 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181203142644/https://www.timesofisrael.com/police-recommend-bribery-charges-for-netanyahu-in-case-4000/ |archive-date=3 December 2018}} On 21 November 2019, Israeli attorney general Avichai Mandelblit officially brought charges against Netanyahu and Elovitch.

During the 2023 Israeli judicial reform protests, Netanyahu announced his intention to remove Defense Minister Yoav Gallant from his post on 26 March 2023; Boaz Ben Zur, Netanyahu's lawyer in Case 4000, told Netanyahu he would quit if Netanyahu did not stop the proposed legislation.{{cite news |last1=Friedson |first1=Yael |title=Boaz Ben Zur, Netanyahu's lawyer in case 4000, told the prime minister that he will stop representing him if the legislation continues |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-03-26/ty-article-live/senior-likud-members-hint-at-opposing-judicial-overhaul/00000187-1c81-d4ca-afff-1d89ee5b0000#1745296345 |work=Haaretz |date=27 March 2023}}

Case 1270 related to a suspicion that Netanyahu's former media advisor offered District Court president Hila Gerstel an appointment to the vacated Attorney General of Israel, in exchange for closing a case against Netanyahu's wife, an offer Gerstel refused.{{Cite news|url=https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5122753,00.html|title=Two suspected of offering bribes to close case against PM's wife|date=20 February 2018|work=Ynet|access-date=28 February 2018|language=en|author=Eli Senyor|archive-date=27 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227211114/https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5122753,00.html|url-status=live}} The case has been compared to the "Bar-On Hebron affair" in 1997, during Netanyahu's first term, involving the appointment of Roni Bar-On to attorney general.{{Cite news|url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/nix-sara-netanyahu-case-get-top-post-pm-s-confidant-offered-judge-1.5832137|title=Netanyahu Confidant Suspected of Offering Judge Top Post to Nix Case Against Sara Netanyahu|date=20 February 2018|work=Haaretz|access-date=28 February 2018|language=en|author1=Revital Hovel|author2=Gidi Weitz|author3=Josh Breiner|archive-date=28 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228051330/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/nix-sara-netanyahu-case-get-top-post-pm-s-confidant-offered-judge-1.5832137|url-status=live}} In January 2019, the case was closed for lack of evidence.{{cite web | url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/ag-closes-case-against-judge-over-sara-netanyahu-bribery-case/ | title=AG closes case against judge over Sara Netanyahu bribery case|date=15 January 2019 | website=The Times of Israel }}

During the investigative phase, Netanyahu was dropped as a direct suspect in the case in which three Dolphin-class submarines and four Sa'ar 6-class corvette were purchased from the German company ThyssenKrupp by Israel. The suspicion in this case refers to swaying the deal in ThyssenKrup's favor for the personal gain of several of the people involved. Netanyahu's cousin and personal lawyer David Shimron, who represented the German company in Israel, is one of the main suspects.

{{Further information|2020–2021 protests against Benjamin Netanyahu|2023 Israeli judicial reform protests|Israeli hostage deal protests}}

File:Demonstrating against judicial reform 110223 11.jpg

In September 2017, protesters started holding weekly Sunday rallies in Petah Tikva for 41 consecutive weeks, protesting what they perceived as interference with the investigations and delays by Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit.{{Cite news |date=8 December 2017 |title=Anti-corruption protests continue for 38th week outside AG's home |language=en |work=Ynet |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5001845,00.html |url-status=live |access-date=14 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201074717/https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5001845,00.html |archive-date=1 February 2018}}{{Cite news |author=Alexander Fulbright |date=2 September 2017 |title=Protesters call for PM to resign after Netanyahu derides anti-corruption demos |language=en-US |work=The Times of Israel |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/protesters-call-for-pm-to-resign-after-netanyahu-derides-anti-corruption-demos/ |url-status=live |access-date=28 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215023903/https://www.timesofisrael.com/protesters-call-for-pm-to-resign-after-netanyahu-derides-anti-corruption-demos/ |archive-date=15 February 2018}} In addition, rallies against government corruption were held in Tel Aviv's Rabin Square. As Netanyahu remained in power despite being formally charged, the protests grew substantially in 2020 and 2021. These protests would later be linked to the 2023 demonstrations that were sparked by a proposed judicial reform, and a number of protests that occurred after the onset of the 2023 Gaza war.

On 19 December 2018, Israeli State Prosecutor Shai Nitzan recommended to Israeli attorney general Avichai Mandelblit that Netanyahu be indicted.{{cite web|url=https://worldisraelnews.com/prosecutors-office-recommends-indicting-netanyahu-on-bribery-charges/|title=Israel State Prosecutor's Office recommends Netanyahu indictment|work=World Israel News|date=20 December 2018|access-date=20 December 2018|author=Jack Gold|archive-date=20 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181220230924/https://worldisraelnews.com/prosecutors-office-recommends-indicting-netanyahu-on-bribery-charges/|url-status=live}} On 20 December 2018, Israeli Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit said he would "work quickly" on the case, but "not at the expense of quality decisions and professionalism".{{cite web|url=https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Politics-And-Diplomacy/Netanyahu-lawyer-No-to-plea-deal-574916|title=Mandelblit: We aren't pursuing the prime minister|work=Jerusalem Post|author=Gil Hoffman|date=20 December 2018|access-date=20 December 2018|archive-date=20 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181220121334/https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Politics-And-Diplomacy/Netanyahu-lawyer-No-to-plea-deal-574916|url-status=live}}

On 28 February 2019, the Supreme Court of Israel rejected a motion filed by Netanyahu's Likud Party to stall the publication of the attorney general's recommendations.{{cite news|url=https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5471541,00.html|title=High Court nixes Likud bid to halt AG recommendations on Netanyahu graft probes|date=28 February 2019|website=Ynetnews|access-date=28 February 2019|archive-date=28 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228212146/https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5471541,00.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Benjamin-Netanyahu/High-Court-rejects-Likud-petition-to-delay-Mandelblit-indictment-decision-582067|title=High Court rejects Likud petition to delay Mandelblit indictment decision|work=The Jerusalem Post|date=28 February 2019|access-date=28 February 2019|author=Yonah Jeremy Bob|archive-date=1 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301080014/https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Benjamin-Netanyahu/High-Court-rejects-Likud-petition-to-delay-Mandelblit-indictment-decision-582067|url-status=live}} The same day, Mandelblit announced that he had accepted police recommendations to indict Netanyahu on three of the charges and that the indictment will officially go into effect following a hearing.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/israeli-prime-minister-benjamin-netanyahu-to-be-indicted-for-corruption/|title=Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to be indicted for corruption|website=CBS News|agency=Associated Press|date=28 February 2019|access-date=28 February 2019|archive-date=28 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228212250/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/israeli-prime-minister-benjamin-netanyahu-to-be-indicted-for-corruption/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/attorney-general-agrees-to-spread-netanyahu-indictment-hearings-over-two-weeks/|title=Attorney general agrees to spread Netanyahu indictment hearings over two weeks|date=29 September 2019|access-date=29 September 2019|work=Times of Israel|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190929104213/https://www.timesofisrael.com/attorney-general-agrees-to-spread-netanyahu-indictment-hearings-over-two-weeks/|archive-date=29 September 2019}}

The hearing took place in October 2019, and on 21 November, Netanyahu was indicted in cases 1000, 2000, and 4000 for charges including breach of trust, accepting bribes, and fraud.{{cite web|url=https://www.khou.com/article/news/nation-world/israeli-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-indicted-on-charges-in-corruption-scandal/285-9afa60c9-eccf-4156-93cb-8c8027274efd |date=21 November 2019 |title=Israeli PM Netanyahu indicted on charges in corruption cases |work=KHOU |access-date=21 November 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191121194438/https://www.khou.com/article/news/nation-world/israeli-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-indicted-on-charges-in-corruption-scandal/285-9afa60c9-eccf-4156-93cb-8c8027274efd |archive-date=21 November 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Mandelblit-reportedly-will-announce-Netanyahu-indictment-today-608541|title=A-G: It is my duty by law to indict Benjamin Netanyahu|work=The Jerusalem Post |access-date=21 November 2019|last=Yonah |first=Jeremy Bob |date=21 November 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191121194651/https://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Mandelblit-reportedly-will-announce-Netanyahu-indictment-today-608541 |archive-date=21 November 2019}}{{cite news|title=Israel's Netanyahu Is Indicted on Bribery and Fraud Charges |author1=Felicia Schwartz |author2=Dov Lieber |date=22 November 2019 | publisher=Wall Street Journal |page=A1}}

As a result of the indictment, Netanyahu was legally required to relinquish of his ministry portfolios other than prime minister.{{cite web |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-netanyahu-to-relinquish-ministerial-portfolios-in-coming-days-1.8166032 |last=Levinson |first=Chaim |date=23 November 2019 |title=Netanyahu to Relinquish Ministerial Portfolios in Coming Days |work=Haaretz |access-date=26 November 2019 |archive-date=26 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191126001204/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-netanyahu-to-relinquish-ministerial-portfolios-in-coming-days-1.8166032 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-said-set-to-give-up-4-ministry-portfolios-after-charges-announced/|title=Netanyahu said set to give up 4 ministry portfolios after charges announced|work=The Times of Israel|date=23 November 2019|access-date=23 November 2019|author=Staff writer|author-link=Staff writer}}

Netanyahu submitted a request for immunity to the parliamentary speaker, Yuli Edelstein, on 1 January 2020.{{cite web|url=https://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Netanyahu-submits-immunity-request-to-Knesset-Speaker-612805|date=1 January 2020|title=Netanyahu submits immunity request to Knesset Speaker|work=The Jerusalem Post|access-date=1 January 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=2 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102003630/https://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Netanyahu-submits-immunity-request-to-Knesset-Speaker-612805}} Many MKs, including Avigdor Lieberman of Yisrael Beiteinu, Benny Gantz of Blue and White, and Stav Shaffir of the Green Party, criticized the request. Lieberman called for the Knesset to bring back committees that had been dissolved (and also indicated that his party would vote against a bid for immunity); without a Knesset committee, there would be no action on Netanyahu's immunity until after the March election.{{cite web|url=https://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Moshe-Yaalon-Only-MKs-with-terror-ties-asked-for-immunity-until-today-612794|date=2 January 2020|title=MKs slam Netanyahu's immunity request: 'A new low', says Ya'alon|work=The Jerusalem Post|access-date=1 January 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=1 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200101220353/https://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Moshe-Yaalon-Only-MKs-with-terror-ties-asked-for-immunity-until-today-612794}} According to The Times of Israel columnist Raoul Wootliff, the election had in effect become a race to gain enough seats so that Netanyahu can successfully request immunity from over half of the MKs.{{cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/seeking-immunity-and-61-mks-to-back-it-netanyahu-sets-up-a-trial-by-election/|date=2 January 2020|title=Seeking immunity and 61 MKs to back it, Netanyahu sets up a trial by election|work=The Times of Israel|access-date=1 January 2020|url-status=live|author=Raoul Wootliff|archive-date=2 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102061407/https://www.timesofisrael.com/seeking-immunity-and-61-mks-to-back-it-netanyahu-sets-up-a-trial-by-election/}} Knesset legal advisor Eyal Yinon ruled on 12 January 2020 that there was no impediment to forming a Knesset committee that could prevent Netanyahu from receiving immunity. If his immunity bid was not accepted, his trial could begin.{{cite web|url=https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Knesset-legal-advisor-removes-hurdle-from-prosecuting-Netanyahu-613939|date=12 January 2020|title=Knesset legal adviser removes hurdle from prosecuting Netanyahu|work=The Jerusalem Post|access-date=12 January 2020|url-status=live|author=Gil Hoffman|archive-date=12 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200112153242/https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Knesset-legal-advisor-removes-hurdle-from-prosecuting-Netanyahu-613939}} Such a committee was formed the next day.{{cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-blow-to-netanyahu-lawmakers-vote-to-staff-panel-to-debate-his-immunity/|date=13 January 2020|title=In blow to Netanyahu, lawmakers vote to set up panel to debate his immunity|work=The Times of Israel|access-date=13 January 2020|url-status=live|author=Raoul Wootliff|archive-date=13 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200113190510/https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-blow-to-netanyahu-lawmakers-vote-to-staff-panel-to-debate-his-immunity/}} Consequently, Netanyahu withdrew his bid for immunity on 28 January 2020; the charges against him were thus officially confirmed and filed in Jerusalem District Court on the same day.{{cite web|url=https://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Prime-Minister-Netanyahu-indictment-on-way-to-Jerusalem-District-Court-615655|date=28 January 2020|title=Bribery indictment against Netanyahu filed with court|work=The Jerusalem Post|access-date=28 January 2020|url-status=live|author1=Yonah Jeremy Bob|author2=Gil Hoffman|archive-date=28 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128122020/https://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Prime-Minister-Netanyahu-indictment-on-way-to-Jerusalem-District-Court-615655}}

On 18 February 2020, the Justice Ministry announced that Netanyahu's trial would start in the Jerusalem District Court on 17 March 2020.{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-corruption-trial-set-to-open-on-march-17-two-weeks-after-election/|title=Netanyahu corruption trial set to open on March 17, two weeks after election|author=Staff writer|author-link=Staff writer|website=The Times of Israel|access-date=18 February 2020|archive-date=4 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200304131105/https://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-corruption-trial-set-to-open-on-march-17-two-weeks-after-election/|url-status=live}}

On 9 March 2020, Netanyahu filed a motion to delay the trial for 45 days.{{Cite news|url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/HkoSnhXSI|title=State Prosecution to court: No to Netanyahu trial delay|date=9 March 2020|access-date=10 March 2020|work=Ynet|author=Yael Friedson|archive-date=10 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200310190401/https://www.ynetnews.com/article/HkoSnhXSI|url-status=live}} On 10 March, the court rejected this bid and affirmed the original trial date.{{Cite news|url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/9VFKBNOK9|title=Jerusalem court rejects Netanyahu bid to delay corruption trial|date=10 March 2020|access-date=10 March 2020|work=Ynet|author=Yael Friedson|archive-date=11 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200311171207/https://www.ynetnews.com/article/9VFKBNOK9|url-status=live}} However, on 15 March 2020, the beginning of the trial was pushed back until 24 May as a result of coronavirus-related restrictions.{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahus-trial-delayed-by-over-2-months-as-court-activity-limited-over-virus/|title=Netanyahu's trial delayed by over 2 months as court activity limited over virus|date=15 March 2020|access-date=15 March 2020|work=The Times of Israel|author=Raoul Wootliff|archive-date=9 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200409105018/https://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahus-trial-delayed-by-over-2-months-as-court-activity-limited-over-virus/|url-status=live}} The Jerusalem District Court ordered Netanyahu to appear in person at the opening of his trial.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/20/benjamin-netanyahu-ordered-to-appear-at-opening-of-criminal-trial|title=Benjamin Netanyahu ordered to appear at opening of criminal trial|first=Oliver|last=Holmes|newspaper=The Guardian |date=20 May 2020|via=www.theguardian.com|access-date=24 May 2020|archive-date=24 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200524092158/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/20/benjamin-netanyahu-ordered-to-appear-at-opening-of-criminal-trial|url-status=live}}

The trial began on 24 May 2020, in the Jerusalem District Court, with judges Rivka Friedman-Feldman, Moshe Bar-Am, and Oded Shaham presiding, and Friedman-Feldman serving as the lead judge. The prosecution team is headed by Deputy State Attorney {{ill|Liat Ben-Ari|he|ליאת בן-ארי שווקי}}, along with Yonatan Tadmor, Deputy Chief of the Tel Aviv District State Attorney's Office Economic Crimes Division, and Yehudit Tirosh, Director of the Securities Department of the Israel Securities Authority.{{Cite web |author=Yonah Jeremy Bob |date=27 June 2020 |title=Who are the prosecutors for Benjamin Netanyahu's bribery trial? |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/who-are-the-prosecutors-for-benjamin-netanyahus-bribery-trial-632995 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724031119/https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/who-are-the-prosecutors-for-benjamin-netanyahus-bribery-trial-632995 |archive-date=24 July 2020 |access-date=25 July 2020 |website=The Jerusalem Post}} Netanyahu's defense team initially included Amit Hadad, the chief defense attorney, along with Noa Milstein, Avichai Yehosef, and Yair Leshem, with Micha Fettman also on the team. However, Fettman left the defense team after the first hearing and was replaced by Yossi Segev,{{Cite web |author=Staff writer |author-link=Staff writer |date=11 July 2020 |title=Ahead of 2nd hearing, attorney with tax conviction joins Netanyahu defense team |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/ahead-of-2nd-hearing-attorney-convicted-of-tax-offense-joins-pms-defense-team/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801214915/https://www.timesofisrael.com/ahead-of-2nd-hearing-attorney-convicted-of-tax-offense-joins-pms-defense-team/ |archive-date=1 August 2020 |access-date=25 July 2020 |website=The Times of Israel}} and Boaz Ben-Tzur joined the team after the second hearing.{{cite news |last=Bob |first=Yonah Jeremy |date=3 August 2020 |title=PM Benjamin Netanyahu adds third new lawyer to trial team |newspaper=The Jerusalem Post |url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/boaz-ben-tzur-joins-benjamin-netanyahus-legal-defense-team-637339 |url-status=live |access-date=1 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831070754/https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/boaz-ben-tzur-joins-benjamin-netanyahus-legal-defense-team-637339 |archive-date=31 August 2020}}

The trial had four preliminary hearings in 2020.{{cite web |date=4 December 2020 |title=Large courtroom being specially constructed for Netanyahu trial |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/large-courtroom-being-specially-constructed-for-netanyahu-trial-report/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201210211511/https://www.timesofisrael.com/large-courtroom-being-specially-constructed-for-netanyahu-trial-report/ |archive-date=10 December 2020 |access-date=18 December 2020 |work=The Times of Israel}} At the first hearing, Netanyahu and three other defendants, Shaul Elovitch, Iris Elovitch, and Arnon Mozes, were present, and the judges read out the charges. Netanyahu was exempted from appearing at most subsequent hearings.{{Cite web |date=25 May 2020 |title=Court Rules Netanyahu Exempt From Appearance at Next Hearing |url=https://www.jns.org/court-rules-netanyahu-exempt-from-appearance-at-next-hearing/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201019033432/https://www.jns.org/court-rules-netanyahu-exempt-from-appearance-at-next-hearing/ |archive-date=19 October 2020 |access-date=17 October 2020 |website=Jewish News Syndicate}} On 5 April 2021, the trial moved into the phase of hearing witness testimonies.{{Cite web |date=22 February 2021 |title=משפט נתניהו: שלב ההוכחות יחל שבועיים לאחר הבחירות – וואלה! חדשות |url=https://news.walla.co.il/item/3419714 |access-date=14 April 2023 |website=וואלה! |language=he}} In early 2022, reports surfaced about negotiations for a possible plea bargain, but that did not materialize.{{cite news |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/talks-for-netanyahu-plea-deal-said-ongoing-with-sides-disagreeing-over-details/ |title=Report: Prosecutors could close Case 2000, nix Netanyahu bribery charge in plea deal}} In April 2023, the prosecution and defense reached an agreement to cut non-essential prosecution witnesses, so as to reduce the number of prosecution witnesses who testify to around 60; with this agreement, the phase of hearing prosecution witnesses is expected to end in the first half of 2024.{{Cite web |title=Report: Prosecution, defense in Netanyahu trial agree to slash witness list |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/report-prosecution-defense-in-netanyahu-trial-agree-to-slash-witness-list/ |access-date=6 May 2023 |website=www.timesofisrael.com |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |title=Netanyahu Corruption Trial to Resume Monday at Faster Pace |language=en |work=Haaretz |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-04-17/ty-article/.premium/netanyahu-corruption-trial-to-resume-monday-at-faster-pace/00000187-8bac-d484-adef-ebacd0b40000 |access-date=6 May 2023}}

Three former confidants of Netanyahu were implicated in criminal charges, and agreed to serve as state witnesses as part of plea bargain agreements: Shlomo Filber, the former director of the Ministry of Communications,{{Cite news |last=סניור |first=אלי |date=21 February 2018 |title=עד המדינה פילבר: "תמרנו אותי, לא קיבלתי טובות הנאה" |language=he |work=Ynet |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-5124907,00.html |access-date=14 April 2023}} Nir Hefetz, a former advisor,{{Cite web |last=לוי |first=זוהר שחר |date=5 March 2018 |title=דרמה בחקירות נתניהו: ניר חפץ חתם על הסכם עד מדינה |url=https://www.calcalist.co.il/local/articles/0,7340,L-3733267,00.html |access-date=14 April 2023 |website=כלכליסט – www.calcalist.co.il}} and Ari Harow, Netanyahu's former chief of staff.{{Cite news |title=Former Netanyahu Aide Ari Harow Reaches Deal to Become State's Witness |language=en |work=Haaretz |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2017-08-04/ty-article/former-netanyahu-aide-reaches-deal-to-become-states-witness/0000017f-e725-dea7-adff-f7ff0d9e0000 |access-date=14 April 2023 |first1=Revital |last1=Hovel }} Other key witnesses include Ilan Yeshua, former CEO of Walla! News,{{Cite web |title=חדשות 13 {{!}} חדשות – כל החדשות והעדכונים מהארץ ומהעולם |url=https://13tv.co.il/news/ |access-date=14 April 2023 |website=רשת 13 |language=he}} Hadas Klein, Milchan's personal assistant who was in charge of purchasing and supplying the alleged illegal gifts and Arnon Milchan himself.{{Cite news |last=גרינצייג |first=אבישי |date=14 March 2021 |title=זה סדר העדים בתיק 1000: הדס קליין בראש, ארנון מילצ'ן בסוף |work=Globes |url=https://www.globes.co.il/news/article.aspx?did=1001363974 |access-date=14 April 2023}} Milchan's testimony, which took place in late June and early July 2023, took place via video from Brighton, United Kingdom, as he was allowed to be absent from appearing in person due to alleged health concerns. Prior to Milchan's testimony, in a private meeting with the prosecution and the defense, the judges suggested that the bribery charges may be difficult to prove, and implored both sides to consider a plea bargain "for the sake of the country".{{Cite web |author=ToI Staff |title=Judges in Netanyahu trial confirm suggesting prosecution drop bribery charge |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/judges-in-netanyahu-trial-confirm-suggesting-prosecution-drop-bribery-charge/ |access-date=2 July 2023 |website=www.timesofisrael.com |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |author=ToI Staff |title=Reports: Judges in Netanyahu trial tell prosecution bribery charge has little chance |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/reports-judges-in-netanyahu-trial-tell-prosecution-bribery-charge-has-little-chance/ |access-date=2 July 2023 |website=www.timesofisrael.com |language=en-US}}

On 5 December 2023, trial judges agreed to reduce the number of court hearings to two days a week due to the security concerns related to the ongoing Gaza war.{{cite web |date=5 December 2023 |title=Judges in Netanyahu Corruption Trial Accept Reduction of Hearings Due to War|last=Freidson|first=Yael|url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-12-05/ty-article/.premium/judges-in-netanyahu-corruption-trial-accept-reduction-of-hearings-due-to-war/0000018c-393d-d11b-a3bf-ffbd56ee0000 |accessdate=6 December 2023 |publisher=Haaretz}} At the end of December 2023, it was decided that the number of days would increase to four in February 2024.{{Cite news |last=שפיר |first=ניצן |date=25 December 2023 |title=השופטים במשפט נתניהו: החל מפברואר נקיים 4 ימי דיונים בשבוע |work=Globes |url=https://www.globes.co.il/news/article.aspx?did=1001466053 |access-date=30 December 2023}} In January they announced that there would be 3 days of discussions starting on the 22nd of that month.{{Cite news |last=מורג |first=גלעד |date=8 January 2024 |title=השופטים במשפט נתניהו חזרו בהם: בשלב זה – 3 דיונים בשבוע |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/sjepuifo6 |access-date=8 January 2024 |work=Ynet |language=he}}

The prosecution rested in July 2024. Netanyahu's testimony was scheduled to begin on 2 December, following a request from the defense to postpone his testimony so as to give him time to prepare.{{Cite web |date=9 July 2024 |title=N12 – בית המשפט המחוזי קבע: עדות נתניהו תחל ב-2 בדצמבר |url=https://www.mako.co.il/news-politics/2024_q2/Article-f731699d1189091027.htm |access-date=20 October 2024 |website=N12}} On 10 November, the defense filed another motion to postpone the testimony, by 10 additional weeks, until the end of February 2025; on 13 November, the court denied the motion and ruled that the testimony should start on 2 December as scheduled,{{cite web | url=https://www.haaretz.co.il/news/law/netanyahutrial/2024-11-13/ty-article/.premium/00000193-2425-de28-abdb-a4a54b9c0000 | title=ביהמ"ש סירב לבקשת נתניהו לדחיית עדותו: "לא חל שינוי מהותי בנסיבות" }} although later partially accepted another request and agreed to begin the testimony on 10 December.{{Cite news |last=שפיר |first=ניצן |date=24 November 2024 |title=בית המשפט אישר: עדות נתניהו תישמע בתל אביב |url=https://www.globes.co.il/news/article.aspx?did=1001494857 |access-date=12 March 2025 |work=Globes |language=hebrew}} A hearing scheduled for 17 December was canceled as well,{{Cite news |last=רבן |first=דן |last2=אייכנר |first2=איתמר |last3=זיתון |first3=יואב |date=17 December 2024 |title=בצל ביטול עדותו, נתניהו ביקר בחרמון הסורי: "נישאר כאן עד שיימצא סידור אחר" |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/s1y2mijrke |access-date=12 March 2025 |work=Ynet |language=he}} as did two weeks of hearing during January, following Netanyahu's undergoing minor surgery.{{Cite news |last=גיל |first=עמירם |date=5 January 2025 |title=בוטלה עדות נתניהו למשך שבועיים, ביהמ"ש מבקש עד אחר במקומו |url=https://www.globes.co.il/news/article.aspx?did=1001498552 |access-date=12 March 2025 |work=Globes |language=Hebrew}}{{cite news |last1=Freidson |first1=Yael |title=Netanyahu Again Asks to Reduce Trial Testimony, Citing Recovery From Surgery |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2025-01-24/ty-article/.premium/netanyahu-again-asks-to-reduce-trial-testimony-citing-recovery-from-surgery/00000194-99d7-d9aa-afff-99df2ec60000 |publisher=haarataz}} Netanyahu's cross examination began on June 3, 2025.{{Cite web |title=5 years into his criminal trial, cross-examination of Netanyahu to begin on Tuesday {{!}} The Times of Israel |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/cross-examination-of-netanyahu-in-criminal-trial-to-begin-on-tuesday/amp/ |access-date=2025-06-03 |website=www.timesofisrael.com}}

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