Netanyahu’s corruption trial to resume on Sunday – Tribune Online

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial will resume on Sunday following the lifting of a state of emergency imposed during the country’s conflict with Iran.

The courts’ spokesperson confirmed the development on Thursday, coming hours after authorities ended the emergency measures that had disrupted normal judicial activities.

Iran had launched ballistic missiles and drones at Israel after Israeli forces, alongside United States President Donald Trump, carried out air strikes on February 28.

The strikes were aimed at limiting Iran’s regional influence, halting its nuclear ambitions, and pressuring its leadership.

The state of emergency, which led to the closure of schools and workplaces, was lifted on Wednesday evening after a ceasefire took hold. No Iranian missile attacks had been reported since 3 a.m. (midnight GMT). However, continued Israeli operations in Lebanon targeting Iran-backed Hezbollah have raised concerns about the stability of the truce.

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“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 face criminal charges, has denied allegations of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust filed in 2019 after years of investigation. The trial, which began in 2020, has faced repeated delays due to his official duties and has no clear end date.

Trump has supported Netanyahu’s call for a pardon from Israel’s President Isaac Herzog, citing concerns that ongoing court appearances could affect his ability to govern.

Herzog’s office said the justice ministry’s pardons department would review the matter and submit its findings to the president’s legal adviser for a recommendation, in line with standard procedures. Pardons are rarely granted while a trial is ongoing.

(Reuters)