Netanyahu's Criminal Trial Resumes Amid Ongoing Tensions

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's criminal trial is set to resume this Sunday after a lengthy suspension due to emergency judicial restrictions. The trial, which has been on hold for several weeks amid ongoing tensions with Iran, will feature testimony from a defense witness at the Jerusalem District Court. This resumption marks a significant moment as Netanyahu, who has denied all allegations against him, is the first sitting prime minister in Israel to testify in a criminal case. The proceedings will focus on serious bribery allegations linked to the Bezeq case, among others. As the judicial system returns to normal operations, the implications of this trial are closely watched both domestically and internationally.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 10, 2026, 17:27 IST

Trial Resumption Details

According to reports, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's criminal trial is set to recommence this Sunday. The proceedings had been on hold for several weeks due to emergency restrictions imposed on the judiciary amid ongoing conflicts with Iran. A formal court notice indicated that the hearing will take place at 9:30 AM local time at the Jerusalem District Court, featuring testimony from a defense witness. The notice further stated that with the lifting of emergency measures, Israel's judicial system is beginning to return to normal operations. Regular sessions are scheduled to occur in Jerusalem on Sunday, followed by hearings from Monday to Wednesday at the Tel Aviv District Court.

Background on the Trial Suspension

The suspension of the trial was part of broader restrictions implemented by Israel's Ministry of Justice following the outbreak of war on February 28. During this period, courts operated under a 'special emergency' format, limiting their activities to essential cases only. Reports indicate that this arrangement had been extended multiple times, with the latest directive remaining in effect until Thursday. Now that the emergency framework has been lifted, Netanyahu's trial, along with other non-essential criminal and civil cases, is returning to the regular court schedule. Initially, the trial will resume from the cross-examination phase of the long-standing corruption case involving allegations in cases 1000, 2000, and 4000. Netanyahu, who faced charges in 2019, has denied all allegations and maintains his innocence.

Significance of the Trial

Netanyahu began his testimony in December 2024, making history as the first sitting Israeli Prime Minister to stand trial as a criminal defendant. Following months of direct examination by the defense, government attorneys initiated cross-examination in June 2025.

Focus of Previous Proceedings

Before the interruption, the proceedings primarily centered on case 4000, also known as the Bezeq case, which is considered the most serious of the three cases due to bribery allegations. During the last hearing prior to the suspension, government lawyers questioned Netanyahu about issues related to the Bezeq-Yes merger, his connections with businessman Shaul Elovitch, and an alleged 'directive meeting' with Shlomo Filber, the former Director-General of Israel's Communications Ministry—an allegation Netanyahu has denied.