Netanyahu’s corruption trial in Tel Aviv enters crucial phase

According to the newspaper Maariv, Netanyahu appeared at the Tel Aviv District Court on Sunday morning as part of his trial in Case 1000, one of several corruption cases he faces.

One of the key witnesses in Case 1000, “Zakhi Khawkin,” is scheduled to testify against Netanyahu, with the court reviewing gifts and benefits allegedly received by the prime minister and his family. The hearing is expected to conclude on Monday.

In addition to today’s session, Netanyahu faces three more hearings this week—on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday—meaning he is expected to appear before the district court for three consecutive days.

Last week, Netanyahu canceled Monday’s hearing due to cabinet sessions but attended lengthy hearings on Tuesday and Wednesday. It remains unclear whether he will attend all three sessions this week or attempt another last-minute schedule change.

The trial is expected to enter a new and significant phase on Tuesday as the court moves to Case 4000—the highly consequential “Bezeq–Walla’’ corruption file. In this case, Netanyahu is accused of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.

For years, corruption allegations have cast a long shadow over Netanyahu’s political career. Now, as the trial reaches its most sensitive stages, the pressure and anxiety surrounding the outcome have reportedly intensified.

Earlier, Maariv reported on Netanyahu’s deep concerns about the legal consequences he may face, noting that a recent official letter from U.S. President Donald Trump to the president of Israel—requesting clemency for Netanyahu—was a clear signal of the prime minister’s growing desperation.

This unprecedented move has added further complexity to the trial and reinforced serious doubts about Netanyahu’s political and legal future. Meanwhile, calls from both domestic and international actors to halt the proceedings typically arise only when a defendant faces a high risk of conviction, serving as a political tool to influence judicial processes in the occupied territories.

In response to these developments, The Times of Israel quoted Netanyahu as saying that the trial harms not only Israel’s interests but also those of the United States.

He also stated that he would “never formally request a pardon,” as he views such a move as an admission of guilt. This stance reflects his ongoing effort to delegitimize the judicial system and frame the trial as politically motivated—a tactic he has used before.