Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday arrived at a Jerusalem court to face corruption charges in three cases, becoming the first sitting prime minister in Israel’s history to be tried before a three-judge panel.
Netanyahu was indicted for breach of trust in Case 1000, the illegal gifts affair, for breach of public trust in Case 2000, the Yediot Ahronot-Yisrael Hayom affair, and for bribery and breach of trust in Case 4000, the Bezeq-Walla! affair.
The first case, Case 1000, involves expensive gifts that Netanyahu allegedly received from wealthy supporters, particularly from Israeli-born movie producer Arnon Milchan, possibly in return for favors.
Case 2000 alleges bribery between Netanyahu and Yedioth Aharonoth owner, Arnon Mozes. Netanyahu supposedly offered to use his power to hinder the influence of Yedioth’s main rival, Israel Hayom, through legislation that would minimize Israel Hayom’s distribution, in return for Yedioth’s reduction of negative coverage of Netanyahu.
Case 4000 alleges that Shaul Elovitch, former owner of Israeli telecommunications giant Bezeq and of the Walla! news portal, pressured his CEO, Ilan Yeshua, to arrange positive coverage of Netanyahu on Walla! in exchange for the prime minister advancing regulations that would benefit Elovitch. The regulatory benefits were worth hundreds of millions of dollars to Bezeq, of which Elovitch was a major shareholder at the time.
Just the beginning
Sunday’s opening session is mostly technical and includes the reading of the charges.
The trial is expected to last for years, and the next court appearance is scheduled in another six months.
Netanyahu has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and his supporters have called the allegations a witch hunt by a “hostile media” against him and his family, and have accused the judicial system of attempting to unseat a prime minister in an undemocratic process. (See: “Will Netanyahu’s Trial Tear Israel Apart?”)
You Might Also Like
What Do King Manasseh and Benjamin Netanyahu Have in Common?
Israelis Don’t Like Their Leaders, But What’s the Alternative?
Netanyahu’s Son and Israel’s Out-of-Control Legal System
The Dangers of a Value-Based Democracy
Balance in Life
“Bibi is King Saul and I’m his successor”
Out and About in the New Middle East
‘Netanyahu Has an Expiration Date’
Israel Earns Unwelcome Global Achievement Thanks to Fifth Election
The Likudnik Who Just Might Unseat Benjamin Netanyahu
Incitement to Assassinate Netanyahu Goes Primetime
Netanyahu: Who Cares What Kanye West Says?
‘A Firepan in the Woodpile’
Bibi and the Most Important Demonstration of the Year
“Bibi has blasphemed God!”
‘Bibi’s Coming Back’ — Biden’s Staying Away
Judicial Reform Compromise: Netanyahu Rejects, Opposition Reluctantly Accepts
Benjamin Netanyahu is Good for the Arabs
Conversion Therapy Threatens Netanyahu Government
Reductio ad Hitlerum: Netanyahu the Judeo-Nazi
The Pink Ladies and Israel’s Descent Into Anarchy
Is Revenge Behind Israel’s Third Election?
Netanyahu Seeks to Quickly Exploit Rifts in New Government
“A Military Coup Was Carried Out Against Netanyahu”
What are the Next Steps Before Benjamin Netanyahu’s Government is Sworn In?
Israel in an Uproar Over Proposed Judicial Reform by Netanyahu Gov’t
‘King Bibi’ Sees No End to His Reign
Netanyahu Rival Hires Anti-Trump Republican Advisors
A Place Among the Nations
The Problem With Jewish Fanatics
Americans Prefer Arab Extremists to Jewish Ones in Israeli Governments
Should Bibi Legalize Jewish Settler Outposts?
Arab Voters Praise Bibi for Bringing Peace
The Fall of the Israeli Government and the Upcoming Election
In meeting with Musk, Netanyahu calls for end to antisemitic bot ‘armies’
Is a Biden-Netanyahu Brawl Inevitable?
Netanyahu lashes out at anti-government protesters
Bennett Invokes Scripture in Plea to Save Unity Government
Chaos Grips Israel After Netanyahu Fires Defense Minister
The Character Assassination of Benjamin Netanyahu
Israel’s Choice: Independence or Appeasement
“Thank God” Netanyahu Was Removed From Power, Says Mandelblit
Israel Gears up For Spring Election
The Dual Gravity of First and Second Israel
Sometimes It’s Best to Just Walk Away
Netanyahu, Israel’s Modern-Day Prophet?
Israel Turns Against Netanyahu
Messi, and Messy Antics in Israel
Orthodox vs Religious Zionist Jews
Listen to the Voice of Protest in Jerusalem
Netanyahu Hopeful as Jewish Voters Shift Further Right, Arabs More Apathetic
Scandal Over Netanyahu’s Cancelled Trip to Abu Dhabi
Bibi Goes to Court: “I’m Not Guilty”
Conversation With an Arab Israeli About Netanyahu’s New Right-Wing Gov’t
Netanyahu Makes One Big Promise to Visiting Congressmen
When the ‘Legend of Destruction’ Comes True
The US Influence on the Israeli Protests
Fighting for a Right-Wing Government
Likud Non-Governance
Benjamin Netanyahu: Forerunner, or Messiah?
Israel Justice Minister Vs. the Legal System
A ‘Resistance’ Coup Just Defeated Israeli Democracy
How the Rabbis Could Save Netanyahu
Poll: After 4 Months of Bennett as PM, Israelis Still Prefer Netanyahu
Netanyahu: ‘We’ll Return Israel to Its Place as a Rising Power Among the Nations’
Look Who’s Interfering in the Knesset Elections to Block a Netanyahu Victory
Has Netanyahu Learned Nothing?
Reports: Current Gaza Fighting is Netanyahu’s Revenge
Netanyahu Receives Nearly 10,000 Phone Calls in Half-an-Hour
Netanyahu Thought Pfizer Vaccine Would Get Him Reelected, Suggests Bourla
Analysis: Netanyahu Exposes Hezbollah Arms Depot in UN Address
Three More Lessons I Learned From Benjamin Netanyahu
JUSTBIBI Virus, More Dangerous Than Coronavirus
Netanyahu, You Will Never March Alone!
Israeli Supreme Court holds hearing on ‘recusal law’
ANALYSIS: Is the Current Chaos in Israel Related to Iran?
Will Netanyahu’s Trial Tear Israel Apart?
Meet Israel’s New Prime Minister: Naftali Bennett
Corona Fear: Netanyahu Refuses to Shake Hands at Jewish Holy Site
Who Better Than Bibi to Leverage Christian Support?
Pro-Bibi Demonstrations are Bigger Than Bibi
Netanyahu To Be Released From Hospital After Apparent Dehydration
Bibi Lacks a Majority in the Right-Wing Majority
Tachles With Aviel – Why Israel Doesn’t Do What Needs To Be Done
Calls for Civil Unrest Ring Out in Israel’s Knesset
Netanyahu Enters Quarantine After Aide Catches Coronavirus
Netanyahu Will Go on Trial Next Week
Reaping the Fruit of the Coronavirus
Judicial Reform Bills Pass First Knesset Vote After Raucous Debate
Israel’s military intelligence warns Benjamin Netanyahu
Netanyahu Slams Supporter Who Calls for Bennett’s Death: “Fool!”
Is Biden Trying to Overthrow Netanyahu?
Palestinian Flag Spotted at Anti-Netanyahu Rally
Israel Flirts With Another Pointless Election
Netanyahu’s Annexation Plan: Trick or Treat?
A prayer for 5784
Gov’t and Opposition Gear Up for Talks After Netanyahu Pauses Judicial Overhaul
World-Worrying Israeli Government to be Installed This Week
Bibi to Booking.com: Read THE BOOK – Judea & Samaria Belong to Israel!
Can Netanyahu Be Trusted to Keep His Promises?
Assassinate Netanyahu? Anti-Bibi Protests Take a Violent Turn
Bibi Slams Socialist Rivals, Vows Boost to Israeli Small Business
Another Three Lessons I Learned From Benjamin Netanyahu
Once a Role Model, Israel is Now a COVID Cautionary Tale
Netanyahu: Why is the West ‘Kowtowing’ to a Theocratic Regime?
Who’s More Suited to Lead Israel?
“Impossible to Conduct Netanyahu Trial in Masks!”
Israel Must Learn From Shinzo Abe’s Assassination
Netanyahu Rivals Inch Closer to Removing Him as PM
Netanyahu Can Topple the Bennett-Lapid Government, By Quitting Politics
Poll: Israelis Pleased With Netanyahu’s Handling of Corona Crisis
Freedom of Speech on Trial? Netanyahu Sues Olmert for Calling Him ‘Crazy’
Don’t Get Hysterical Over Israel’s Election
No Trust in Netanyahu’s Emergency Government
Is This the End for Netanyahu?
“Netanyahu was shocked, but I am at peace”
Netanyahu: John Kerry Wanted ‘Afghanistan Model’ for Palestinians, I Refused
Understanding the Bennett Crises
Don’t Read This Article
When Will Israel’s Leaders Finally Break the Political Impasse?
Israel’s New Government Makes Leftists, Arabs Furious
ANALYSIS: A Year After Being Sworn In, Bennett’s Government Teeters
Tachles With Aviel – The Israel Flag Belongs to All of Us
Israelis Wonder If They’ll Ever Get a New Government
Praise for the Promised Land and for Bibi
ANALYSIS: Radical Policy Changes Lead to Renewed Internal Divisions in Israel
Can Israel Stop the Christian Gospel?
Is This Why Biden Hasn’t Called Bibi?
Netanyahu Walks Political and Diplomatic Tightrope as He Forms Coalition
Israel Election Primer – 2022 Edition
Netanyahu: A Bigger Threat Than Arabs Seeking Israel’s Demise?
‘Keep Me Out of It’ – Why Won’t Netanyahu Back Trump?
Did Trump Ruin Reelection Hopes by Attacking Netanyahu?
Just-Bibi / Just-Not-Bibi is Only Half the Story
Netanyahu’s Demise Will Come From the Right
Will He or Won’t He? Netanyahu and the Annexation of Biblical Israel
Ten Tips for Netanyahu
Naftali Bennett Emerges With the Keys to Bibi’s Kingdom
Tachles with Aviel – Conscription or judicial reform?
Absurd: Netanyahu Exposed to Corona by His Health Minister
Crisis of trust between Netanyahu and his defense chiefs
Lapid and Friends Use Demonization to Incite a Civil War
Israel’s Fourth Election in Two Years is Also About Bibi
Netanyahu Begins Building His Coalition
Dawn of a New Era in Israeli Politics
Biden Shouldn’t Try to ‘Save’ Israeli Democracy From Election Victors
Is the Mossad Trying to Overthrow Netanyahu?
‘God Has Had Mercy on Israel!’ Rabbis Rejoice Over Fall of Bennett-Lapid Gov’t
Is Netanyahu Israel’s Dreyfus Affair?
“I’m Not Working for Netanyahu’s Political Survival”
Trump Signals Lack of Faith in “Loser” Netanyahu
Concerns Arise Over Democratic Lawmakers Meddling in Israeli Politics
Bibi, the Dove of Peace for the Palestinians
Who’s Who in Israel’s Election 2021?
Tachles With Aviel – Imagine Orthodox Church Fathers Governing Your Life
Netanyahu: Don’t Fight It. Call Me ‘Your Highness’!
Tachles with Aviel – Netanyahu vs Ben-Gvir
Poll Shows Netanyahu On Track for Firm Electoral Victory
Netanyahu Calls Out Media Hypocrisy Over Corona Stimulus
Brothers at War, Again?
That’s It? Coronavirus is Done in Israel?
Israel’s government has no plan; offers no hope
‘Very constructive, very candid’ meeting between Biden and Netanyahu
Netanyahu’s Right Hand Doesn’t Know What the Left Is Doing
Netanyahu: “Gulliver” in a Land of Dwarfs
Israel Faces an Explosive Week
Netanyahu: How Does God Deal With Political Opposition?
Stormy Knesset Summer Session Begins on Sunday
Netanyahu Gets an Invitation to the White House
Who Will Mend Israel’s Fractured Political Landscape?
Trump Felt Betrayed by Netanyahu, Says New Book
‘Respect Our Democracy’: Israeli MK Criticizes US Over Coalition Interference
Doomed? Will This Bring Down the Netanyahu Gov’t?
Tachles With Aviel – Big Bang Between Government and Idolaters
Showdown in the Knesset
Opposition MK calls for Netanyahu-led unity gov’t
What is the Likud, Benjamin Netanyahu’s Party?
Tachles with Aviel – Fear of Dictatorship and Washington’s Offer to Netanyahu
Anti-Bibi, Anti-Solomon: How the Present Echoes the Biblical Past
Israel’s New Government: Between Apathy and Rage
Mansour Abbas and Netanyahu: New Best Friends?
Trump Rages Against Netanyahu: ‘He Made a Big Mistake!’
Look Who’s on the Cover of TIME Magazine
Netanyahu’s Next Battle
With Judicial Overhaul Paused, Protesters Find a New Target
Gleefully Abandoning Israel
Netanyahu and What Israelis Want to Happen Next
Netanyahu Criminal Investigations Reach Critical Moment
Netanyahu Seems Desperate. It’s Not a Good Look For Him
Crisis Averted: Knesset Passes 2023-2024 State Budget
Ego is More Dangerous Than Coronavirus
Tachles with Aviel – Attention! Psalm 150 Was Almost Banned
“Israel’s IDF Chiefs of Staff are not Messiahs”
“Bibi, Don’t Be Afraid of the Left!”
‘Law & Disorder: Israel’
New Law Is Intended to Secure Netanyahu’s Premiership
“This Time It’s Different”
Like Netanyahu, King David Also Had a Big Government
‘Bibi’ Declares New Government After Biden Sends Warning
Netanyahu convenes top security chiefs amid elevated threats
Who Are the Balfour St. Protestors, and What Do They Want?
What’s Next? The Process of Forming Israel’s Next Government
“Israel has a crazy obsession with Bibi”
Facebook Blocks Netanyahu Chatbot
The Tragedy of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu Won’t Take Orders From American Congressmen
Dramatic Political Shake-Up Leaves Netanyahu in Power, For Now…
Netanyahu is a Dictator, Say Israelis in ‘Black Flag’ Protest
Please Bibi, Why Don’t You Come Back?
Netanyahu Accused of Exploiting the Holocaust
Will a Direct Election for Prime Minister Help Netanyahu?
Netanyahu Demonstrates He’s Not Against the Supreme Court
Corona Hysteria is Overblown, Insist Top Israeli Experts
Biden Weighs In on Israeli Judicial Reform for the First Time
Unleavened Bread Threatens Bennett-Lapid Government
Prime Minister Netanyahu to Make Bible Priority
Democracy is Not What You Think It Is
Why I’m Voting for Benjamin Netanyahu
Anti-Government Protesters Defy Police, Block Major Roads In Tel Aviv
The health of an Israeli prime minister
The Fate of Israel: Popular Vote, or Divine Lot?
Biden will pressure Netanyahu
Continued Uncertainty for Israel: Netanyahu Fails to Form a Coalition
Back on Top: Netanyahu and Allies Score Decisive Electoral Victory
Netanyahu Greets Supporters From Behind Protective Glass
President Herzog Says Israel Needs Judicial Reform
Netanyahu’s Government and the Kingdom of Israel
Israel and Judea – What Netanyahu’s Victory Says About the Modern Jewish State
Anyone Else Would Have Received the Nobel Peace Prize
The Just-Not-Bibi Train Rolls On
Bennett’s Approval Ratings Drop as Israelis Tire of Iran, Corona
Netanyahu: Personal Victory, Political Uncertainty
Trump’s Been Misled and Bibi’s Making a Mistake, Says Rich Rabbi
Why Netanyahu Triumphs While Trump Founders
Misnomer: New Israel Fund Worries About Israel’s Democracy
Netanyahu Family To Be Protected by Shin Bet
Give Peace a Chance? Not While Netanyahu and Trump are Around
President “fears for Israel” as he taps Netanyahu to lead government
Political Trinity? Netanyahu Proposes 3-Way Premiership
Israel Must Secure Prophetic Fulfillment, Insists Netanyahu
ANALYSIS: The Emotional Roots of Israel’s Reforms
Netanyahu Signals “Red Alert” for Israel
What’s More Important: Netanyahu, or the Right?
Tachles With Aviel – What Makes an Illegal Outpost Legal
Prime Minister Netanyahu First Israeli to Receive Covid-19 Vaccination
Is the Corona Crisis a Convenient Excuse for Bibi?
From Now On, ‘Resistance’ to Election Results Will Be the Norm
Netanyahu Has Become a Liability for the Political Right
Does Benjamin Netanyahu Believe in Peace With the Arabs?
Netanyahu’s Own Games are Being Played Against Him
Netanyahu Makes Play for Russian Vote Amid Election Concerns
As Israel Eases Lockdown, Fears of Another Infection Spike
Eleven Judges and 400 Prophets
ANALYSIS: Israel Running Into Another Election Abyss?
Israel’s Post-Democracy Moment
Benjamin “Bibi” Netanyahu: King, or Villain?
Fighting Corona Exposes Israel’s Attitude Toward Judaism
Netanyahu Makes a Big Promise to All Israelis
Netanyahu: I Was Simply Shocked to See This
Bibi and the Exploitation of Art for Political Gain
The Myth of Israel’s ‘Mass Anti-Government Protests’
Israeli Politics and the Biblical Concept of Leadership
Why Israel’s “Government of Change” Won’t Change Anything
Netanyahu’s Plea Bargain Hangs on Disgrace
POLL: Netanyahu Wouldn’t Win Next Election. No One Would.
Netanyahu, Project 315 and the Quest for Justice
Anti-Government Protesters Try to Block Ben-Gurion Airport on ‘Day of Resistance’
A New Round of Elections Looming in Israel
WATCH: Netanyahu Sings Psalm 147
Has Netanyahu Lost His ‘Magic’?
Without Bibi: A Government of Change Rises in Israel
Israeli MK Rejoices: ‘God Gave Us Victory Over the Hellenists’
When Everyone’s Right-Wing, is Anyone Right-Wing?
Case 4000: Between Blood Libel and Mega Corruption
Why Does Netanyahu Want to Microchip Our Kids?
Netanyahu Vows to Tackle Terror in Televised Address to the Nation
The Wisdom, Or Not, of Banking on Bibi
Israeli Opposition’s Hostile Rhetoric ‘Impedes Compromise on Judicial Reform’
Villain and Messiah
Israeli hotel suffers internal “BDS” for hosting Netanyahu
Is Netanyahu in Trouble?
Supreme Court to hear petition to oust Netanyahu in September
Why compromise is unlikely in Israel’s crisis
With God’s Help – Netanyahu Fires Back at Foreign Critics
Tachles With Aviel – Fear of the Redeemer
Bennett to Bibi: Now You’re the Sour Pickle!
The Palestinians are Furious: Three Peace Treaties in Six Weeks
Netanyahu ‘should think twice about coming to DC’
Tachles With Aviel – Are Conservative Politics Still Possible in Israel?
Will Netanyahu Resume a Judicial Reform That’s Tearing Israel Apart?
Hamas Ally is Now at the Helm of Israel’s Ship
Biblical History Repeating Itself: Bennet Warns of Civil War
Netanyahu is a Political Wizard
New Government Crisis Opens Path for Netanyahu’s Return
Israel’s Government Urgently Needs a Motivational Push
ANALYSIS: Israel Now Fighting Iran on Four Fronts
Bibi in the Age of Lying Politicians
When Circumstances Reveal the Truth
Netanyahu Reminds Rivals That He is “God’s Chosen”
The Hypocrites Attacking Israel’s New Government
The “Bibi Bloc” Attacks Netanyahu Over Shabbat Phone Call
Netanyahu Must Not Squander This Hard-Won Victory
Netanyahu “Heartbroken” Over Death of Sheldon Adelson
Jewish Sovereignty Is on the Ballot
Should American Jews Intervene to Stop Netanyahu?
Netanyahu: I Believe in the Bible!
Israelis Concerned Over Irresponsible Government
What’s to become of Israel this week?
Water Hoses and Revolution: What’s Happening in Israel
Netanyahu Building Support for Mega-Rally in Support of Judicial Reform
Will Bibi Suddenly Rock the Boat?
From Nazi Germany to Nazi Israel to Nazi Netanyahu
Netanyahu: Opponents of Judicial Reform ‘Crossing Red Lines’
Netanyahu Chastises Son Over Shameful Tweet
Benjamin Netanyahu and the Curse of Success
Netanyahu Has Week to Find Majority, Prevent Elections
From Washington to Jerusalem, the Conspiracies Are Unraveling
Netanyahu’s “Spirit Hovered in the Room”: Arab Foes Try to Keep Bibi Out of Power
Sara Netanyahu Freed by Police After Protesters Trap Her in Hair Salon
Efforts to Unseat Netanyahu Have Failed, He’s Here to Stay
What Are Netanyahu’s Options if He Falls Short of a Majority?
Netanyahu Courts Arab Voters; Nazareth Mayor: We Support You!
Netanyahu: ‘Freedom of protest Is Not a License to Drag Israel Into Anarchy’
Netanyahu to Zuckerberg: Facebook is Biased Against Me
Restoring Balance, or Flirting With Fascism?
Netanyahu “Deserves to Suffer in Hell,” Says Top Opposition Lawmaker
Biden Will Do Everything He Can to Help Lapid
Did Netanyahu Just Announce His Retirement?
5 Reasons Israel’s New Government May Yet Fall Again
Three Lessons I Learned From Benjamin Netanyahu
Members
Israel Today Membership
Monthly Membership
$5
/ month
Full access to Israel Today's Member-only content on all Digital Platforms.
Become a Member
Yearly Membership
$46
/ year
Full access to Israel Today's Member-only content on all Digital Platforms.
Save 18% Per Month.
Save 18% Per Month.
Become a Member
Six Months Membership
$28
every 6 months
Full access to Israel Today's Member-only content on all Digital Platforms.
Save 9% Per Month.
Save 9% Per Month.
Become a Member
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Only members can read and write comments.